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Oratorio

Level 5 vital article of an unknown topic- part of a WikiProject on classical music that has been rated as a start class on the quality scale

Oratorio means to pray in Latin, it is a musical ensemble for soloist, choirs, and orchestras. Similar to operas without scenery, costumes, and very limited interaction between cast members; strictly a musical composition only. Oratorios became popular in Italy during the first part of the 17th century when the Catholic church banned operas and dances suites during Lent; making oratorios the most most popular choice of music for opera lovers during this observation. Stories are based on sacred text and biblical stories making it suitable of church performances; oratories were designed for professional performance.

The first oratorios were based in Italy in the 1600s. First oratorios can be compared to motets and some medieval plays. 1650-1700 trended away from the church; more performances were seen out the church. Many composers both produced operas and oratorios. Librettos were produced and choirs usage decreased. Male narrator replaced with female recitatives.

Little mention about oratorio being sponsored by the church

The first oratorios could be elaborated on more

Not much talk of late Baroque period and influential composers

Little talk of Handel during the Gregorian era

20th and 21st century sections distracting with lots of composers- possible put into table of list format