What does libretto mean?
A libretto is the written text of an opera or comparable musical dramatic work, especially the words intended to be sung by the characters. It provides the narrative, dialogue, and poetic language through which the drama unfolds, and it is usually written by a librettist working with a composer. In performance, the libretto should be distinguished from the score, which contains the music. Although the term is most strongly associated with opera, it can also describe the text of an operetta, oratorio, or similar work. A libretto may be based on a novel, play, historical account, or original story, and its style can range from formal verse to direct, conversational speech. The word is valuable in discussions of music and drama because it highlights the literary dimension of a musical work: the story and the words are as important to the opera as its melodies and orchestration.
nounThe text of an opera or other musical dramatic work, especially the words that are sung by the characters, as distinct from the musical score. The term is also used more broadly for the script or book of such a work.
- The literary text of an opera, operetta, oratorio, or similar musical dramatic work, including the words to be sung.
- More broadly, the script or book of a musical dramatic work.
"The composer's breakthrough came when the company premiered the opera with a new libretto."
"She adapted the novel into the libretto for the new opera."
"The production's most striking feature was the minimalist staging, which kept attention on the singers and the libretto."
Both forms are standard. Libretti is especially common in musical and opera contexts.
"The archive contains librettos from several major opera companies."
A libretto is the voice of an opera: without it, even the finest score would have no story to tell.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libretto come from?
The word comes from Italian, where libretto is a diminutive of libro, meaning “book.” Italian libro derives from Latin liber, meaning “book” or “written work,” the same root found in English words such as library and literal. The Italian form originally referred to a small book and came to designate the text of an opera. English adopted the word in the 18th century.
Related word forms
How libretto is actually used
In strict musical usage, a libretto is the sung text of an opera or similar work, not the instrumental score. The word is most often used in connection with opera and operetta but can also refer to the text of an oratorio or another staged musical work.