<p><b>Question: </b>What is the difference between opera and oratorio?</p><p><b>Answer: </b></p><p>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.</p><p>Howard E. Smither: &#39;Oratorio&#39;, Grove Music Online ed. L. Macy (Accessed 30 July 2004), &lt;<a href="http://www.grovemusic.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">http://www.grovemusic.com</a>&gt;</p><h3>Opera FAQ Index</h3><ul><li> What is opera? </li><li> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/where-did-opera-originate-724347" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2">Where did opera originate?</a> </li><li>What was the first opera? </li><li>What is a libretto? </li><li>What is opera seria? </li><li> What is opera buffa? </li><li>What is the shortest opera? </li><li> What is the longest opera? </li><li>What is the most performed opera? </li><li>What is the difference between opera and oratorio? </li><li>Should I familiarize myself with the opera I&#39;m about to see before I see it?</li></ul>