ORATORIO

cantata, oratorio

(noun) a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

oratorio (plural oratorios)

(music) A musical composition, often based on a religious theme; similar to opera but with no costume, scenery or acting.

Source: Wiktionary

Or`a*to"ri*o, n. Etym: [It., fr. L. oratorius belonging to praying. See Orator, and cf. Oratory.]

1. (Mus.)

Definition: A more or less dramatic text or poem, founded on some Scripture nerrative, or great divine event, elaborately set to music, in recitative, arias, grand choruses, etc., to be sung with an orchestral accompaniment, but without action, scenery, or costume, although the oratorio grew out of the Mysteries and the Miracle and Passion plays, which were acted.

Note: There are instances of secular and mythological subjects treated in the form of the oratorios, and called oratorios by their composers; as Haydn's "Seasons," Handel's "Semele," etc.

2. Performance or rendering of such a composition.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition