"The Standard Oratorios: Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers" by George P. Upton is a comprehensive handbook written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a companion to the author's previous publication on operas, detailing the narratives, musical compositions, and biographical sketches of notable oratorio composers. The book aims to explore significant oratorios, their historical context, and the evolution of this sacred musical form. At the start of the book, Upton lays the groundwork for understanding the oratorio by detailing its definition and historical origins. He explains how the oratorio evolved from early religious performances into a distinct musical genre that incorporates dramatic elements similar to opera. The opening portion also delves into the development of the oratorio through key figures and works in music history, setting the stage for a detailed examination of various significant oratorios and their composers throughout the text. (This is an automatically generated summary.)