An extended cantata on a sacred subject.

A large vocal work similar to an opera; but it is neither staged nor acted out.

(Italian: 'pulpit'). A large scale work for orchestra and voices, usually sacred in nature. Oratorios are narrative in the same way as opera, but are performed without staging, costume, action or scenery.

Composition of an extended libretto by solo voices, chorus or orchestra. It is usually a musical narration of a Biblical story. The presence of a narrator standing outside the action is an obvious distinguishing feature of the oratorio.