Definition

Noun: 1. The text or words of an opera, oratorio, or other extended musical dramatic work: A libretto is the written script containing all the spoken dialogue, lyrics, and stage directions for a musical composition such as an opera or a musical. 2. A book containing such a text: It can also refer to the physical booklet containing this text, often provided to the audience.

Examples

• The composer worked closely with the poet to perfect the for the new opera.
• She studied the before attending the performance to better understand the story.
• The of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" combines comedy and profound themes.

Advanced Usage

• "Libretto by...": A standard credit line indicating the author of the opera's text.
  • "Madama Butterfly," music by Giacomo Puccini, libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa.
• In a broader, metaphorical sense, "libretto" can sometimes refer to the script or plan for any complex, staged event.
  • The political scandal unfolded like a tragic opera, with the media reporting every twist in the libretto.

Variants and Related Words

• Librettist (noun): The writer of a libretto.
  • Lorenzo Da Ponte was a famous librettist who collaborated with Mozart.
• Libretti (noun): The traditional Italian plural form of "libretto," though "librettos" is also commonly used in English.

Synonyms

• Text: The words of a musical work.
• Script: The written text of a play, film, or broadcast.
• Book: (Specifically in musical theatre) The spoken dialogue and lyrics of a musical.

Related Phrases

• To set a libretto to music: The act of composing music for the text.
  • The maestro spent years setting the intricate libretto to music.

Noun

1. the words of an opera or musical play