Libretto
A libretto is the written text of an opera, or another stage work set to music, such as an operetta or musical. It includes the words sung by the performers and often the stage directions as well. A librettist shapes the story, dialogue, and lyric moments that the music then expands and supports.
Example
The widow sings at dusk,
her voice climbing the staircase
while the orchestra answers
with a low, restless wind.
Related Definitions
[n] the words of an opera or musical play
Related Terms
arrangement, book, continuity, copy, cue, draft, edition, hymnal, hymnbook, instrumental score, lines, lute tablature, music, music paper, music roll, musical notation, musical score, notation, opera, opera score, orchestral score, part, piano score, play