An oratorio is a large
musical composition including an
orchestra, a
choir, and
soloists. The oratorio was somewhat modeled after the
opera. Their similarities include the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable
characters, and
arias. However, opera is musical theatre, while oratorio is strictly a concert piece, though they are sometimes staged as operas. There is little or no interaction between the characters, no props or elaborate
costumes. The most important difference is their subject matter. Opera tends to deal with
history and
mythology, including age-old devices of
romance,
deception, and
murder. The plot of an oratorio is often minimal and deals strictly with
sacred subjects, making this form of
entertainment acceptable and appropriate for performance in the
church.
Protestant composers took their stories from the
Bible, while
Catholic composers looked to the lives of
saints. Oratorios became extremely popular in early 17th century Italy partly because of the success of the opera and the Church's prohibition of spectacles during
Lent. Oratorios became the main option of musica during that period for opera buffs.
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