An incongruous art form--Originated in Italy with San Filippo
Neri--Scenery, action and even ballet in the early
oratorio--The influence of German composers--Bach's "Passion"
music--Dramatic expression in Haendel--Rockstro's
characterisation of--First performance of "The
Messiah"--Haydn's "Creation" and "Seasons"--Mendelssohn's
"Elijah" next to "The Messiah" in popularity--Dramatic
episodes in the work--Gounod, Elgar and others 248