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libretto Definition

li·bretto (li bretō)

noun pl. -·tos or -·ti

  1. the words, or text, of an opera, oratorio, or other long choral work
  2. a book containing these words

Etymology: It, dim. of libro (< L liber), a book: see library

libretto Synonyms

libretto

n.

song book, lyrics, lines, words, book, opera; see also writing 2.

libretto Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • write: The biggest challenge in writing the libretto for Sirius on Earth was to create a detached yet familiar reality within a short time frame.
  • include: Plans include the libretto for an opera based on The Little Prince ( music by Rachel Portman ) for English National Opera.
  • translate: Not only did Tom provide sets, he also translated the libretto.
  • read: I have to strain to hear words: should have read libretto beforehand.
  • produce: Working with children from three Lewisham primary schools to produce an opera libretto with the River Thames as its theme.
  • base: On his final return to Austria in 1795, he took with him an English libretto based on Milton's " Paradise Lost " .

Adjective modifier

  • original: Vocal range: top E-flat - D Clowns 1 and 2 ( Priests in the original libretto and score ).
  • full: Full libretto with translation will be available in the concert program.
  • new: Wonderful Viennese music combined with an exuberant and hilarious new libretto sung in English, all adds up to unmissable entertainment!
  • complete: The production was well received by opera magazine, click here for reviews, photographs and a complete libretto of the opera.
  • own: As the writer of his own libretti, he was able to illustrate the many themes of a world in transition.
  • English: On his final return to Austria in 1795, he took with him an English libretto based on Milton's " Paradise Lost " .

Modifies a noun

reading: These took the form of libretto readings, opera extracts given in full score with musicians and singers, followed by an open discussion.

Noun used with modifier

opera: All translations, except where taken from opera libretti, are my own.

Preposition: of

opera: It was like reading the libretto of an opera.

Preposition: for

  • opera: Alan and Nancy at home in 1978 The libretto for these operas were in each case prepared and written in about six months.
  • cantata: Libretto for cantata on animal rights, music by Tony Biggin.

Preposition: by

  • composer: Libretto by the composer, after the short story by Gogol.
  • writer: The new opera commission from young Scottish composer Stuart MacRae features a libretto by writer and poet Simon Armitage.

Browse dictionary entries near libretto

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