The Standard Oratorios: Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers

"The Standard Oratorios: Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers" by George P. Upton, is a guide that illuminates the world of sacred music by recounting the stories, musical structures, and lives of composers behind famous oratorios. Upton sets the stage by explaining oratorios' definition and traces its historical roots, revealing its transformation from early religious expressions into a full-fledged musical style featuring dramatic elements similar to opera. The book transitions into the evolution of the oratorio through examinations of key figures and their works, creating a foundation for a deep dive into the context and musical components of notable oratorios and the composers who shaped them.