What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oratorio
Example
The choir and orchestra performed Handel's Messiah, which is an oratorio. [oratorio: noun]
Example
She sang the soprano solo in the oratorio, which was composed by Bach. [oratorio: noun]
choral
Example
The choral group sang beautifully at the church service. [choral: adjective]
Example
The composer wrote a new choral piece for the choir to perform at the concert. [choral: adjective]
Example
The audience was moved by the choral performance of Mozart's Requiem. [choral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Choral is more commonly used than oratorio in everyday language. Choral can refer to any type of music that is sung by a choir, making it more versatile and applicable to a wider range of contexts. Oratorio, on the other hand, is a more specific type of musical composition that is less commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oratorio and choral?
Oratorio is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its religious themes and specific structure. Choral, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the specific piece and performance.
