Das Oratorium
Example: Das Oratorium wurde gestern in der großen Kirche aufgeführt.
Definition
"Das Oratorium" is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, typically based on a religious or sacred theme. It is performed without staging or costumes, often in a concert setting, as in the sentence: "Das Oratorium wurde gestern in der großen Kirche aufgeführt."
Etymology
The word "das Oratorium" originates from the Latin word 'oratorium,' meaning 'a place of prayer.' It was adopted into German through Italian, where it referred to a small chapel or prayer hall. Over time, the term came to denote a musical work intended for devotional purposes, reflecting its sacred origins. Did you know that the oratorio was initially closely connected to religious gatherings in prayer halls?
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"Das Oratorium" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 100 commonly used words.
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