https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=LibrettoLibretto - Revision history2026-04-20T19:08:06ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Libretto&diff=5889930&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-06-05T22:18:01Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Libretto_Cover_Andrea_Chenier.jpg|thumb|Libretto_Cover_Andrea_Chenier]] [[file:Mascagni_and_Librettists.jpg|right|thumb|Mascagni_and_Librettists]] [[file:Ernani_Libretto_1859.jpg|right|thumb|Ernani_Libretto_1859]] [[file:Henry_Purcell_portrait_by_John_Closterman.jpg|thumb|Henry_Purcell_portrait_by_John_Closterman]] [[file:Adolfo_De_Karolis_(1874-1928),_La_figlia_di_Iorio_(1914).jpg|thumb|Adolfo_De_Karolis_(1874-1928),_La_figlia_di_Iorio_(1914)]] '''Libretto'''<br />
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A '''libretto''' (Italian for "little book") is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an [[opera]], [[operetta]], [[musical]], [[oratorio]], [[cantata]], or [[ballet]]. The term is also sometimes used to refer to the text of major liturgical works, such as [[mass (music)|masses]], [[requiem]]s, and [[passion (music)|passions]]. The libretto is distinct from the [[score (music)|score]], which refers to the musical notation.<br />
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==History==<br />
The tradition of the libretto dates back to the early 17th century, with the emergence of opera as a distinct art form. Early librettists often collaborated closely with composers to create works that were both musically and dramatically compelling. Notable early librettists include [[Ottavio Rinuccini]], who worked with [[Jacopo Peri]] and [[Claudio Monteverdi]], and [[Pietro Metastasio]], whose works were set to music by numerous composers.<br />
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==Structure==<br />
A libretto typically includes the [[dialogue]], [[lyrics]], and stage directions for a musical work. It may be written in [[verse]] or [[prose]], and it often follows a specific structure that aligns with the musical composition. The libretto serves as a blueprint for the performers, providing the narrative and emotional context for the music.<br />
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==Language==<br />
Librettos are often written in the native language of the composer or the intended audience. However, many famous operas have been translated into multiple languages to reach a broader audience. For example, [[Mozart]]'s operas, originally written in [[Italian language|Italian]] and [[German language|German]], have been performed in numerous languages worldwide.<br />
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==Famous Librettists==<br />
Some of the most renowned librettists in history include:<br />
* [[Lorenzo Da Ponte]], who collaborated with [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]] on operas such as ''[[The Marriage of Figaro]]'', ''[[Don Giovanni]]'', and ''[[Così fan tutte]]''.<br />
* [[Arrigo Boito]], who worked with [[Giuseppe Verdi]] on ''[[Otello]]'' and ''[[Falstaff]]''.<br />
* [[Hugo von Hofmannsthal]], who partnered with [[Richard Strauss]] on works like ''[[Der Rosenkavalier]]'' and ''[[Ariadne auf Naxos]]''.<br />
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==Modern Usage==<br />
In contemporary musical theatre, the term "libretto" is often used interchangeably with "book," referring to the script of a musical. Modern librettists continue to play a crucial role in the creation of new works, collaborating with composers to develop the narrative and lyrical content.<br />
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==Related Pages==<br />
* [[Opera]]<br />
* [[Operetta]]<br />
* [[Musical theatre]]<br />
* [[Oratorio]]<br />
* [[Cantata]]<br />
* [[Ballet]]<br />
* [[Score (music)]]<br />
* [[Lorenzo Da Ponte]]<br />
* [[Arrigo Boito]]<br />
* [[Hugo von Hofmannsthal]]<br />
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==Categories==<br />
[[Category:Opera]]<br />
[[Category:Musical terminology]]<br />
[[Category:Literary genres]]<br />
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