How does an oratorio differ from an opera?

An oratorio is distinct from an opera primarily in its intended purpose and presentation. It is generally a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists that is based on a religious theme, often performed in a concert setting rather than being staged with dramatic action. This aspect of being strictly religious and not staged sets it apart from opera, which is a theatrical art form that combines music, costumes, and drama to tell a story, often featuring elaborate stage designs and acting.

While operas may incorporate religious themes, they are not confined to them and typically include elements such as acting, scenery, and sometimes spoken dialogue. The focus of an oratorio remains on the music itself and the message conveyed through the choral and solo performances without the visual theatrics associated with operatic performances.

The other options presented do not accurately capture the fundamental differences between the two forms. For example, while opera does indeed have spoken dialogue, many modern operas also contain sections that are purely sung, and the presence of spoken dialogue is not what fundamentally distinguishes it from an oratorio. The idea that oratorio involves multiple orchestras is not characteristic, as it is usually performed with a single orchestra. Lastly, asserting that opera is performed exclusively in English overlooks the rich