What is an oratorio?
Q: What is an oratorio?
A: An oratorio is a piece of music for orchestra, choir and solo singers that usually tells a story from the Old Testament. It is similar to an opera but it is performed in a concert hall or church rather than on stage with costumes.
Q: When was the oratorio created?
A: The oratorio as we know it was created in the 18th century.
Q: What language were most operas composed in during this time period?
A: Most operas during this time period were composed in Italian.
Q: Who was the first important composer of oratorios?
A: George Frideric Handel was the first important composer of oratorios.
Q: What is Handel's most famous work?
A: Handel's most famous work is Messiah, which tells the story of Jesus' birth, life and death.
Q: Who are some other composers who wrote popular works in the 19th century?
A: Joseph Haydn wrote Die Schöpfung (The Creation) (1798) and Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) (1801), Mendelssohn wrote St Paul, Elijah and Hymn of Praise, Dvořák, Berlioz and Gounod are among the most important Romantic composers of oratorio, Elgar wrote Dream of Gerontius (1900), Walton wrote Belshazzar’s Feast (1931) and Tippett wrote Child of our Time (1941).
