Opera is, I suppose you could describe it, a musical costume drama. It has never thrilled me that much. Unless it is a very well known work which is performed frequently there are usually very few really great arias but a lot of boring bits in between and usually you can’t understand a word they are saying even if it is in English which is rare. Now oratorio, that’s different and to my way of thinking much more enjoyable. Oratorio is the singing without the costumes and acting or a large musical composition for orchestra, choir and soloists. In a large venue with a good acoustic it sounds wonderful and it is a thrill to sing in a good choir with a large orchestra and great soloists. It is like being surrounded by a glorious wall of sound.
The Sassy Marriage Celebrant 