Librettos

A libretto is the text of a musical dramatic work, such as an opera, oratorio, or musical theater piece. It provides the spoken dialogue, stage directions, and the lyrical portions that are sung, including arias, recitatives, ensembles, and choruses. The librettist, the writer of the libretto, collaborates with the composer, who creates the musical setting for the words. The term derives from Italian and literally means a “little book.”

History and role. The practice of supplying a text for musical drama began in early modern Italy, with the format becoming central to the development of opera in the 17th and 18th centuries. Librettos were often adapted from classical plays, ancient literature, or contemporary stories. In the 18th century, the libretto became a separate artistic discipline, with prominent librettists shaping dramatic structure, character, and pacing to suit musical form. The relationship between librettist and composer varied by project, but the text usually drove the emotional and dramatic arc that the music would illuminate.

Structure and language. Librettos are typically divided into acts and scenes and may be printed separately from the score. They balance spoken dialogue with arias, ensembles, and choruses, and they often employ verse in songs while using prose for spoken portions. The craft involves careful attention to prosody, dramatic clarity, and the musical needs of the singers.

Notable figures and modern use. Important librettists include Pietro Metastasio, Lorenzo Da Ponte, Carlo Goldoni, and Luigi Illica, among others. In modern opera, film, and musical theater, the term libretto remains in use to designate the full written text, including spoken dialogue and lyrics, even as some works incorporate collaborative or evolving texts.