Libretto

A libretto (Italian for "little book") is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata, musical theatre, or ballet. It is the narrative framework that provides the story, characters, and setting for the music.

The libretto's composer typically sets the text to music, though there are instances where the libretto is written after the music. The quality of a libretto is often judged on its dramatic coherence, character development, poetic language, and how well it lends itself to musical expression. A strong libretto enhances the impact of the music and elevates the overall artistic experience.

The term also refers to the published form of the text, often sold at performances. Libretti often include stage directions and descriptions of the scenery.

In musical theatre, the libretto often refers specifically to the book, which comprises the spoken dialogue and stage directions, as distinct from the lyrics, which are the words to the songs. However, the term can also be used to encompass both dialogue and lyrics.

Important historical librettists include Lorenzo Da Ponte (who wrote for Mozart), Hugo von Hofmannsthal (who wrote for Richard Strauss), and W. S. Gilbert (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame). Modern librettists continue to contribute significantly to the creation of new and innovative musical works.