How did an oratorio tell a biblical story through soloists, chorus, and instruments?

An oratorio tells a biblical story through a large-scale, dramatic musical structure that utilizes soloists, a chorus, and an orchestra. Unlike opera, which is staged, the oratorio is a concert piece that relies on music and verse to convey its narrative.12

The storytelling process typically involves several key elements:

• Recitative: This style, which imitates the rhythm and inflection of speech, is used to advance the plot and move the story from scene to scene. It is often performed by a testo (narrator) or various soloists to provide necessary exposition.12
• Arias and Ensembles: These sections allow characters to express their emotions and reflect on the events of the story, providing a lyrical contrast to the narrative recitatives.12
• Chorus: The chorus plays a vital role in the drama, often serving as a collective voice or commentator. Composers like Handel significantly expanded the chorus's importance, using it to provide powerful, complex musical responses to the unfolding biblical events.312
• Instrumental Support: The orchestra provides the foundation for the work, often including an overture and instrumental interludes that help set the tone for the narrative.2