librettist
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of librettist
From the Italian word librettista, dating back to 1860–65. See libretto, -ist
Explanation
A librettist is a writer who creates the scripts for operas and musicals, blending storylines with lyrics that singers perform. In the world of opera, a librettist is crucial, similar to a playwright in theater. A librettist writes the words of the songs that bring the opera or musical to life. For instance, Lorenzo Da Ponte is well-known for writing the librettos — or lyrics — for several of Mozart's famous operas, including The Marriage of Figaro. The librettist plays an important role in connecting the audience with the emotional depth of the music through compelling narratives and character development.
Vocabulary lists containing librettist
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite the audience booing at the 1853 premiere, which Verdi and his librettist, Francesco Maria Piave, called “a fiasco,” “Traviata” has never strayed long from the stage.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 13, 2026
But he’s never had a librettist like Waldman.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2024
"Fire Shut Up in My Bones," the work of jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard and writer-director Kasi Lemmons, was the first opera by a Black composer or librettist to reach the Met stage.
From Salon ● Oct. 6, 2024
From this kernel, Saariaho and her librettist, Finnish novelist Sofi Oksanen, developed the scenario, which has 13 singing or speaking roles: seven at the school and six at the wedding banquet.
From Seattle Times ● May 28, 2024
One could have done with a little more Shakespeare and less of Christopher Smith's own librettist; but it contains much charming music, some of which would sound very fresh if revived now.
From Shakespeare and Music by Christopher Wilson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
