The origins of the oratorio can be found in sacred dialogues in Italy. These were settings of Biblical, Latin texts and musically were quite similar to motets. There was a strong narrative, dramatic emphasis and there were conversational exchanges between characters in the work.

Where did oratorio came from?

The term oratorio derives from the oratory of the Roman church in which, in the mid-16th century, St. Philip Neri instituted moral musical entertainments, which were divided by a sermon, hence the two-act form common in early Italian oratorio.

Who invented oratorio?

Handel's most important contribution to music history undoubtedly lies in his oratorios. Although the genre had existed in the 17th century, Handel seems to have invented the special type known as English oratorio, with its dazzling choruses.