Oratorio

"Oratorio" derives its name from the oratory (a chapel in the church) in which a monk Fillipo Neri, used to deliver his sermons on Biblical history during the Sixteenth Century. Sacred songs illustrated these discourses. The modern oratorio consists of solos, duets, broad majestic choruses and recitatives with full orchestral accompaniment. It is distinguished from opera by the absence of action, costumes, and scenery. Usually the story is based on some text from the Bible. In the 18th  Century, Bach, Handel and Haydn developed the oratorio to its highest standard.

"The Messiah" was written by George Friedric Handel, a German composer, who spent many years in England and who lies buried in Westminster Abbey.

Franz Joseph Haydn was born in Rohrau, Austria, in 1732. His genius attracted attention when he was very young and he is often called the father of instrumental music. In his early thirties, he enjoyed the patronage and friendship of the wealthy Prince Esterhazy and in consequence, spent much time in Hungary. While there, he developed a keen interest in the music of the Hungarian gypsies. The composition below is an air from the last movement of Haydn's trio for piano, violin and 'cello, very properly called the "Gypsy Rondo". This music is characteristic of the Gypsy folk, full of light and the joy of living. All of Haydn's work is characterised by simplicity, perfect finish, and the avoidance of meaningless phrases.