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How can I differentiate between a mass and oratorio?

In order to distinguish between a mass and an oratorio it is important to examine their formats and subject matter. Both musical pieces deal with religious subjects, and can be performed in churches and cathedrals.


The musical mass follows a set format, which is in sequence of the celebration of the liturgy of the Catholic, Lutheran, or Protestant faiths. Early masses were written for the Ordinary of Liturgy so that daily masses could have musical components. A mass can be sung a cappella, without musical accompaniment, or it can accompanied by instruments from a singular organ to a full orchestra. Throughout history the musical mass has changed to include choirs, modern instruments, and participation by those attending the service, instead of being sung solely by a choir. Although these changes occurred, the format and purpose, of presenting the liturgy through music, remains the same.


The subject matter of oratorios is also religious—oratorios portray the lives of the saints or passages from the Bible. The purpose of an oratorio differs in that it is entertaining and theatrical. Although the characters do not often interact, the oratorio includes an orchestra, choir, and soloists. This form of religious entertainment is devoid of scenery and props, and is considered to be a concert piece.


Therefore, both masses and oratorios are religious pieces of music, but a mass follows the format of the liturgy of worship, while an oratorio is performed as religious entertainment.

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