word
Italian
oratorio
or-uh-TOR-ee-oh
ˌɒrəˈtɔːrioʊListen
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Syllable breakdown
oratorio
Sounds like
Say 'or-uh-TOR-ee-oh'.
Dictionary meaning
A large musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, typically on a sacred theme, performed without costume.
History and origin
Italian — from 'oratorio' (prayer hall, oratory) — early sacred concerts were held in oratories.
Examples
- Handel's Messiah is the most frequently performed oratorio in the English-speaking world.
Common mispronunciations
OR-uh-toh-ree-ohor-uh-TOR-oh
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