Oratorio (noun)

A large musical composition, typically of a religious nature, performed without costumes, scenery, or acting.

Origin:

From the italian word 'oratorio' meaning a prayer hall, from the latin word 'oratorium' meaning a place of prayer, from 'orare' meaning to pray.

Examples:

1. The choir was performing Handel's Messiah oratorio for the annual Christmas concert.
2. I've always been fascinated by the grandeur and emotion of oratorios.
3. The local church was hosting a community sing-along of the oratorio, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
4. The famous oratorio, Elijah, by Felix Mendelssohn is a choral work that tells the story of the prophet Elijah.
5. The oratorio, The Creation, by Joseph Haydn, is a musical depiction of the creation of the world according to the book of Genesis.