Libretto

Book of words of an opera; at first a pastoral poem with little action, but considerable poetical value; then, with the decadence of the lyric drama, sinking to the level of a mere verbal stalking-horse upon which music could be hung; and latterly, mainly through Wagner's influence, striving to rise to the level of a well-constructed, logically-developed drama, drama, admitting of the employment of music as a means for raising the emotional power of words, scenery, and pantomime. Libri-Carrucci, GUILLAUME TIMOLEON, COMTE DE, 18031869. Prof. Pisa 1823; in France 1830-50. His to ire des Sciences Mathematiques en Italie, 4 vols., 1838-41.