
Oratorio
Religious Narratives
Often tells a story from the Bible or has a spiritual theme, but not always exclusively religious.

Bach composed the oratorio 'St. Matthew Passion' which depicts the Passion of Christ.
Concert Performance
Oratorios are meant for listening in a live performance. They are not staged like operas.

I attended an oratorio and was moved by the powerful combination of choral and orchestral music.
No Costumes
Unlike operas, performers in an oratorio don't wear costumes or act out the narrative.

The vocalists stood in formal attire as they sang the oratorio.
Compare with
CantataMassMotetPassionRequiem
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