

Stories from the Bible, lives of saints, and Biblical topics are common themes in oratorios. Oratorios often deal with sacred topics, making them appropriate for performance in the church. An oratorio also does not use props or elaborate costumes. There is usually little or no interaction between the characters in an oratorio there is neither scenery nor action. While oratorios are strictly a concert piece, they are sometimes staged as operas, and operas are occasionally presented in concert form. An oratorio uses a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. Opera performances are usually given in an opera house.Īn oratorio is a large musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists. Mozarts’ Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute, Rossini’s T he Barber of Seville, William Tell, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and La bohème are some examples of an opera. The plot of the opera tends to deal with history and mythology. Many elements of the spoken theater, such as acting, scenery, props, and costumes are incorporated into operas. There are two types of singing in a traditional opera: recitative (a speech-inflected style) and arias (a more melodic style). It is a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists. Difference Between Opera and Oratorio – Comparision of Features and Characteristics What is an OperaĪn opera, which started in Italy at the end of the 16th century, is a part of the Western classical music tradition. What is an Opera? – Meaning, Features, and CharacteristicsĢ. What is an Oratorio? – Meaning, Features, and Characteristicsģ. In other words, oratorio is a concert piece whereas opera is musical theater.ġ.

The main difference between opera and oratorio is that opera uses costumes, scenery, and dramatic action whereas oratorio uses none of these elements. Oratorio is a musical composition for voices or orchestra without using costumes, actions or scenery. Opera is a dramatic work which incorporates many elements of theater.

Opera and oratorio are two types of performance in Western music tradition.
