libretto
Sung drama's script
A libretto is the text of an opera, oratorio, or other long musical work—the words that are sung and spoken by performers.
The term comes from Italian for "little book," reflecting how these texts were traditionally printed as small booklets for audiences to follow along.
A librettist writes the libretto, working either from original material or adapting existing stories, plays, or novels.
The opera's libretto was based on a Shakespeare play.
Operatic solo piece
- recitativeSpeechlike operatic singing
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- sopranoHighest female voice range
- tenorEssential meaning or import
baritone · mezzo-soprano · prima donna · bel canto · coloratura · diva · castrato · impresario
Original text before publication
- bookBound written work
- folioSingle-fold page format
- volumeAmount of space filled
- pamphletUnbound topical booklet
publication · script · dialogue · verse · stanza · lyrics · synopsis · translation
Storyline or land parcel
- storylineSequence of fictional events
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- sceneDramatic unit or locale
act · prologue · epilogue · climax · denouement · conflict · characterization · tragedy
Songs from musicals
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- performanceCarrying out a task
revue · playbill · finale · intermission · choreography · audition · costume · director
Creator of musical works
- lyricistWriter of song texts
- collaborationJoint intellectual work
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- premiereFirst public performance
setting · score · notation · arrangement · orchestration · harmony · melody · counterpoint
aria
Operatic solo piece
- recitativeSpeechlike operatic singing
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- sopranoHighest female voice range
tenor · baritone · mezzo-soprano · prima donna · bel canto · coloratura · diva · castrato · impresario · maestro
manuscript
Original text before publication
pamphlet · publication · script · dialogue · verse · stanza · lyrics · synopsis · translation · adaptation
plot
Storyline or land parcel
- storylineSequence of fictional events
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
scene · act · prologue · epilogue · climax · denouement · conflict · characterization · tragedy · comedy
showtunes
Songs from musicals
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
performance · revue · playbill · finale · intermission · choreography · audition · costume · director · producer
composer
Creator of musical works
- lyricistWriter of song texts
- collaborationJoint intellectual work
- commissionPayment for services rendered
premiere · setting · score · notation · arrangement · orchestration · harmony · melody · counterpoint · dynamics
- performing artsacting, dance, music, drama, theater
- textstext, book, article, essay, document
- dramaTV drama, acting, television drama, drama school, playwright
- music termsmelody, tempo, rhythm, harmony, beat
- musical theateract, musical theater, scene, cast recordings, Evita
- Scuolamaestro, maestra, materia, banco, preside
librettoscore
Numerical standing in competition
musical score · music · composition · orchestration · instrumentation
librettooverture
Introductory orchestral piece
instrumental · interlude · prelude · entr'acte · sinfonia
librettochoreography
Designing performance movement sequences
staging · set design · blocking · dance · mime