Arts, Music, and Recreation Music What is the difference between opera and oratorio? Share Flipboard Email Print Music Classical Operas Basics Composer Biographies Lyrics Rock Pop Alternative Music Country Folk Rap & Hip Hop Rhythm & Blues Dance Music World Music Punk Music Heavy Metal Jazz Latin Music Children's Music Christian Music Oldies Music Education View More by Aaron Green Updated March 17, 2017 Question: What is the difference between opera and oratorio?Answer: New Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians defines oratorio as “an extended musical setting of a sacred text made up of dramatic, narrative and contemplative elements.” Unlike opera, oratorios are never staged.Howard E. Smither: 'Oratorio', Grove Music Online ed. L. Macy (Accessed 30 July 2004), <http://www.grovemusic.com>Opera FAQ Index What is opera? Where did opera originate? What was the first opera? What is a libretto? What is opera seria? What is opera buffa? What is the shortest opera? What is the longest opera? What is the most performed opera? What is the difference between opera and oratorio? Should I familiarize myself with the opera I'm about to see before I see it? Continue Reading