libretto

The libretto is the text of a dramatic musical work, such as an opera, oratorio, or musical, and includes dialogue, lyrics, and sometimes stage directions. The term derives from Italian libretto, meaning "little book." It is usually written by a librettist and set to music by a composer.

The libretto provides the narrative, characters, and dramatic structure, typically organized into acts and scenes. It indicates which passages are spoken (recitatives) and which are sung (arias, duets, ensembles, choruses). The text can be original or adapted from plays, novels, or poetry, and the music is composed to fit the rhythms and emotional contour of the words. In opera, the text is often in the language of the performers, and librettos are sometimes revised to suit singers or staging.

History and usage: In the baroque and classical eras, libretti were central to opera’s development, with poets such as Pietro Metastasio shaping the form; later composers like Mozart collaborated with librettists such as Lorenzo Da Ponte to create enduring works (for example Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte). In the 19th century, libretti increasingly emphasized natural speech and dramatic coherence; in musical theatre, the term "libretto" is often used to refer to the book containing spoken dialogue and action, while the songs provide the musical numbers.

Publication and rights: Libretti are often published separately from the score and may be licensed or translated for performances. Modern librettos may exist in multiple languages, with various translations and adaptations for different productions.