Libretto

Opera performances include text that without which any performance is complete. This text is integrated with music, singing, acting, and dancing together which creates a masterpiece. Libretto is the term used to describe the extended text that musical work includes for operas, ballets, operettas, oratorios, cantatas, masques and musicals. The world libretto is derived from an Italian word which means a book. There is a slight difference between libretto and a scene from a plot or a synopsis. A synopsis basically is a summary of the plot; however a libretto is a collection of all the stage directions and words that comprise the play.

Writer Of Libretto

The person who writes the libretto is called the librettist. There is a certain relationship between the librettist and the composer of the rest of the opera. However this relationship has evolved a lot over the years. In the 17th and 18th centuries mostly a renowned poet was hired to write the libretto. If a poet could not be found there used to be a separate person other than the composer himself. It is mostly preferred that the libretto be written before the music is composed however that is not always the case. The libretto was first brought to light in the 16th century. Since its inception the libretto was always written in verse form and this tradition went on into the 19th century. It is always preferred that the libretto be written in the form of a prose. Sadly the writers of librettos have not been given as much recognition as composers of musicals and operas are given. Initially they were not even recorded however now they are.