Definition of oratorio

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or·a·to·ri·o

(ôr

-tôr

, -t

-) KEY

NOUN:
pl. or·a·to·ri·os

A musical composition for voices and orchestra, telling a sacred story without costumes, scenery, or dramatic action.

ETYMOLOGY:
Italian, after Oratorio, the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri at Rome, where famous musical services were held in the 16th century

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