CultureAugust 23, 2026

libretto

li-BRET-oh

Definition

The text or script used in an opera, musical, or other extended musical work.

Etymology

Derived from the Italian word 'libretto', which is a diminutive of 'libro', meaning 'book'. It entered English in the mid-18th century to describe the printed text of an opera.

In the news

The article mentions a freshly translated libretto used in this specific production of Mozart's opera to ensure the comedic meaning is clear to modern audiences.

Danielle de Niese’s directorial debut is a brilliant, witty affair

Read the full article ↗

The Telegraph

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