or|a|to|ri|o

or|a|to|ri|o «_AWR uh TAWR ee oh, -TOHR-; _OR-», noun, plural -ri|os.

a musical composition, usually based on a religious theme, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra. It is dramatic in character, but performed without action, costumes, or scenery.

╂[< Italian oratorio (originally) place of prayer < Late Latin ōrātōrium. See etym. of doublet oratory². (Cf. ↑oratory)]