Unit 2: Oratorio

Question 1

Oratorio background and origins

Answer 1

• Italian term; derived from place where works first performed (oratory, prayer room of a church)
• origin of sacred vocal genre: Italy late 16th ecntury
• Giacomo Carissimi, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel contributed to genre

Question 2

Oratorio characteristic features

Answer 2

• begin with orchestral overture
• recitatives, arias, choruses
• vocal soloists, chorus, orchestra (include basso continuo)
• sacred theme often with biblical text
• performed in concert setting: w/o scenery, costumes, nor acting

Question 3

oratorio

Answer 3

• large scale work for soloists, chorus, orchestra
• serious subject: biblical text
• recitatives, arias, ensembles, choruses
• performed in concert setting: w/o scenery, costumes, nor acting

Question 4

recitativo secco

Answer 4

• Italian: “Dry recitative”
• speech-like, declamatory style of singing
• supported by continuo only
• in opera, oratorio, cantata

Question 5

recitativo accompagnato

Answer 5

• Italian: “accompanied recitative”
• speech-like, declamatory style of singing
• supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra
• greater connection w/ text
• in opera, oratorio, cantata