Operas and Oratorios

Opera is a key genre of the Baroque period. It is a drama set to music, with characters, costumes, and often elaborate scenery. The story is told through a combination of recitatives and arias.
Recitative is a style of delivery in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms and delivery of normal speech. Recitatives are often used in operas and oratorios to move the plot.
Aria is a long, accompanied song for a solo voice. It is an opportunity for the singer to express emotion and character.
An oratorio is a large musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists. It is similar to an opera but without the acting, costumes, and scenery.
Chorus often plays a big part in operas and oratorios, representing groups of people and commenting on the action.
Birth of the Opera House: The first public opera house was built in Venice in 1637. Before then, operas were usually performed in the courts.
Famous Baroque opera composers include Claudio Monteverdi and George Frideric Handel.
Handel’s most famous oratorio is the Messiah, often performed at Christmas time.