The text of an opera is referred to as the libretto. The term ‘libretto’ comes from the Italian word for ‘little book’, and it serves as the written script for the opera, containing the lyrics sung by the performers. In addition to the lyrics, the libretto often includes instructions for staging, character descriptions, and other details essential for the production.
Each opera has its own unique libretto, which can be original or based on existing literature, such as novels, poems, or even historical events. The quality of the libretto can greatly affect the overall impact of the opera, as it must effectively convey the story and emotions that the music enhances.