What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oratorium
Example
The choir rehearsed the oratorio for weeks before the performance. [oratorio: noun]
Example
The composer wrote an oratorio based on the life of Jesus Christ. [oratorio: adjective]
composition
Example
The composer's latest composition was well-received by critics. [composition: noun]
Example
She studied music composition in college to learn how to write her own songs. [composition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Composition is more commonly used than oratorio in everyday language. Composition is a versatile term that covers a wide range of musical works, while oratorio is a more specific term that is less common in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oratorium and composition?
While oratorio is typically associated with a formal and classical tone, composition is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.