Libretto
A libretto is the written text or script of an opera or musical theater piece. It contains all the words that will be sung or spoken, along with stage directions and character descriptions. Think of it as the screenplay for an opera. When people mention working with librettos in their resumes, they're typically referring to either writing these texts, translating them, or using them to direct productions. It's similar to how a screenplay works in movies, but specifically for musical performances where most or all of the text is sung rather than spoken.
Examples in Resumes
Translated three Libretto|librettos from Italian to English for major opera productions
Collaborated with composer to develop Libretto for new contemporary opera
Supervised production using original Libretto|librettos in multiple languages
Typical job title: "Librettists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Librettists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Networking
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach adapting a complex source material into a libretto?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with story adaptation, understanding of dramatic structure, collaboration with composers, and consideration of musical timing and pacing.
Q: What strategies do you use when translating historical librettos for modern audiences?
Expected Answer: Should explain balancing historical authenticity with modern accessibility, handling cultural references, and working with different languages while maintaining musical rhythm.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you coordinate with composers during the writing process?
Expected Answer: Should describe collaborative process, understanding of musical requirements, and ability to revise text to fit musical needs while maintaining dramatic impact.
Q: What experience do you have with different opera styles and periods?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of various opera traditions, understanding of different historical periods, and experience working with different styles.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the basic structure of a libretto?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic elements like acts, scenes, stage directions, and character descriptions, showing understanding of standard format.
Q: How do you handle the relationship between text and music in your writing?
Expected Answer: Should show basic understanding of how words need to work with music, awareness of syllable count, and rhythm considerations.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of opera structure
- Writing or translating simple texts
- Knowledge of standard opera terminology
- Basic language skills in common opera languages
Mid (2-5 years)
- Writing original librettos
- Translating complex texts
- Collaboration with composers
- Understanding of multiple opera styles
Senior (5+ years)
- Leading major opera projects
- Complex adaptation work
- Multiple language expertise
- Teaching and mentoring others
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic opera structure
- Unable to read music notation
- No experience with foreign languages
- Lack of understanding about theatrical timing and pacing
Related Terms
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