Music 101 How does an Oratorio differ from an Opera? How is it similar? Give some examples of titles of Oratorios. What do you think accounts for the continued popularity of Handel\'s Messiah today? Solution Oratorio: Extended musical settings composed of dramatic, narrative, and contemplative elements and are considered sacred. Opera: It is a full theatrical production includes costumes and sets for singers and instrumentalists and is secular. Titles: Emilio de Cavalier .