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[[image:VanceHartke.jpg|frame|right|Rupert Vance Hartke]]
An '''oratorio''' is a large [[musical composition]] for [[orchestra]], vocal [[soloist|soloists]] and [[choir|chorus]]. It differs from an [[opera]] in that it does not have [[theatrical scenery|scenery]], [[costume]]s, or acting. Oratorio closely mirrored opera in all ages in musical style and form, except that choruses were more prominent in oratorio than in opera. The peak period for composition of oratorios was the 17th and 18th centuries.
'''Rupert Vance Hartke''' ([[May 31]], [[1919]] – [[July 27]], [[2003]]) was a [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic]] [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] from [[Indiana]] from [[1959]] to [[1977]].
Most oratorios from the common practice period to the present day have [[bible|biblical]] themes, but a number of composers, notably [[George Frideric Handel]], wrote secular oratorios based on themes from [[Greek mythology|Greek]] and [[Roman mythology|Roman]] [[mythology]]. Whether religious or secular, the theme of an oratorio is meant to be weighty, and can include such topics as the creation of the world, the life of [[Jesus]], or the career of a classical hero or biblical prophet.
== Early Life, Education, Military Service ==
The plot of an oratorio is often minimal, and some oratorios are not narratives at all. While operas are usually based on a dramatic narrative, in oratorios the aesthetic purpose of the narrative is more often to provide organization and significance to a large musical work.
Born in [[Stendal]], [[Pike County]], [[Indiana]] on [[May 31]], [[1919]], Senator Hartke attended public schools in Stendal. He graduated from Evansville College (now the [[University of Evansville]]) in [[1940]], and from [[1942]] until [[1946]] Hartke served in the [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Coast Guard]], rising from [[Seaman]] to [[Lieutenant]]. Hartke graduated from the [[Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis|Indiana University]] Law School in [[1948]].
Oratorios usually contain:
== Legal and Political Career ==
* An [[overture]]
* Various [[aria]]s, sung by the vocal soloists
* [[Ensemble singing]]
* [[Recitative]], usually employed to advance the plot
* [[Chorus]]es, often monumental and meant to convey a sense of glory. Frequently the instruments for oratorio choruses include [[timpani]] and [[trumpet]]s.
After joining the [[Indiana]] State Bar in [[1948]], Hartke began practicing law in [[Evansville]]. He also worked as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of [[Vanderburgh County]] ([[1950]]-[[1951]]) and Mayor of [[Evansville]] ([[1956]]-[[1958]])before being elected to the [[United States Senate]] in [[1958]] and reelected in [[1964]] and [[1970]] ([[1959]]-[[1977]]). He lost reelection in [[1976]] to [[Richard G. Lugar]]. Hartke was also an unsuccessful candidate for the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]'s presidential nomination in [[1972]].
Probably the best known oratorio in the English-speaking world is Handel's ''[[The Messiah|Messiah]]''. Other well known oratorios include Handel's ''[[Samson_(oratorio)|Samson]]'', the ''Christmas Oratorio'' by [[Johann Sebastian Bach]], ''[[The Creation]]'' by [[Joseph Haydn]], and [[Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy|Felix Mendelssohn]]'s ''[[Elijah (oratorio)|Elijah]]''.
== Senate Service and Later Life==
=== Related topics ===
* [[Passion]]
* [[Requiem]]
* [[mass (liturgy)|Mass]]
* [[mass (music)|Mass]] (as a musical form)
* [[Cantata]]
In the [[Senate]], Hartke was known for his opposition to the [[Vietnam War]] and his chairmanship of the [[Senate Veterans Affairs Committee]]. Hartke died in [[Falls Church]], [[Virginia]] on [[July 27]], [[2003]] and is buried in [[Arlington National Cemetery]].
==External link==
*[http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/g_oratorio.html History and development of the musical form.]
*[http://www.tis-usa.com/2004/06/project.html Thiruvasakam In Oratorio by Maestro Illayaraja.]
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[[Category: Musical forms]]
{{succession box | title=[[US Congressional Delegations from Indiana|United States Senator (Class 1) from Indiana]] | before=[[William E. Jenner]] | after=[[Dick Lugar|Richard G. Lugar]] | years=1959-1977}}
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[[Category:1919 births|Hartke, Vance]]
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[[Category:2003 deaths|Hartke, Vance]]
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[[Category:United States Senators from Indiana|Hartke, Vance]]
[[el:Ορατόριο]]
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[[ja:オラトリオ]]
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[[ta:ஆரட்டோரியோ]]
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