This question was popular among the candidates and most of these candidates performed above average. However, a few candidates performed poorly in the question due to inadequate preparation. Candidates should have responded thus:

(a)        Oratorio is a large-scale musical composition for voices and orchestra. It is contemplative in nature and on a religious subject. Although the libretto may contain dramatic incidents, as in Opera, Oratorios are usually performed in concert without scenery or costumes.                                                    
(b)        G. F. Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt, Sir Edward Elgar, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Hector Berlioz and Charles Gounod.                                             
(c)       

COMPOSER	ORATORIO
G. F. Handel	Messiah, Jephtha, Judas Maccabaeus, Esther, Isreal in Egypt, Deborah, Saul, Samson, Solomon.
J. S. Bach	Christmas oratorio.
Joseph Hadyn	Creation, The Season
Felix Mendelssohn	Elijah, St. Paul
Franz Liszt	Legend of St. Elizabeth, The Christus
Sir Edward Elgar	The Apostles, The Kingdom
Ludwig Van Beethoven	Christ on mount Olives
Hector Berlioz	The Childhood of Christ
Charles Gounod	La Redemption, Mors et Vita

                                                                                                                                 

(d)      Opera, Cantata, Opera and Requiem