- published: 04 Dec 2009
- views: 1119635
A libretto is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata or musical. The term libretto is also sometimes used to refer to the text of major liturgical works, such as the Mass, requiem and sacred cantata, or the story line of a ballet.
Libretto (pronounced [liˈbretto]; plural libretti [liˈbretti]), from Italian, is the diminutive of the word libro ("book"). Sometimes other language equivalents are used for libretti in that language, livret for French works and Textbuch for German. A libretto is distinct from a synopsis or scenario of the plot, in that the libretto contains all the words and stage directions, while a synopsis summarizes the plot. Some ballet historians also use the word libretto to refer to the 15–40 page books which were on sale to 19th century ballet audiences in Paris and contained a very detailed description of the ballet's story, scene by scene.
The relationship of the librettist (that is, the writer of a libretto) to the composer in the creation of a musical work has varied over the centuries, as have the sources and the writing techniques employed.
Down on your knees you cry for help
Unleashed the rage, no reprieve
What you've done is coming back around
Instant karma, appropriate I believe
Laugh out loud I beat you harder
Both hands broken you can't fight back
For years you tried to break me
Turned round no fists my odds are stacked
Strapped and abused in misery
Chewed up pissed on cast aside
No place for me in your plan for life
Learned through time to depend on you
And you ask me why I'm bitter
Placed you on a pedestal and fell
Outstayed my welcome once again
Your actions unacceptable
And you ask me why I'm bitter
Two's company, three's a crowd
Time for me, disallowed
Beaten fucked up it feels so sweet
Justice served for what you've done
Left now taped up in your defeat
Your time for repent is nigh, scum
And I see you smiling now
And you ask me why I'm bitter
You know I really used to like you don't you?
Consciousness slips away over time