Oratorio
a kind of musical drama, consisting of airs, recitations, duets, trios, choruses, etc. The text is usually derived from some Scriptural subject; as, for instance, that of the "Messiah," of the "Creation," and of "Elijah." The origin of the oratorio is somewhat obscure. The most probable account is that which attributes its intention to St.
Philip Neri, who, in 1548, organized, at the new chapel at Rome, certain musical performances, consisting of poems on sacred subjects, sung by first-rate singers, accompanied by the best instrument- , accompanied by the best instrumentalists, for the purpose of attracting large storms and long droughts in summer. It congregations. It was entirely successis, however, very healthful, and favor- ful, and these performances, which at able to European constitutions. Agri- first were only poems in four parts, pasturing are the chief were, in less than half a century after occupations, and wool, hides, and ostrich the death of Neri, in 1595, developed into feathers the principal exports.
Dia- those splendid compositions called by monds and other precious stones have been found in paying quantities, rich coal mines exist, and the State is said to abound in other mineral wealth. Gold was discovered in 1887. The Dutch Reformed Church is the dominant religion, and a Dutch dialect the language of the country. The country may now be moderns oratorios. Italy, though the birthplace of the oratorio, has produced very few of any note. The Germans, on the contrary, excel in this species of composition; as a proof of this, it is only necessary to mention the names of Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart, and, greatest of all Handel.
ORATORY