How to Translate a libretto

A libretto is a portion of a song used in operas. This part of the song is usually quite intense and can cause listeners to feel the emotion coming from the singer. Since the songs are usually in Italian, it can be difficult to translate the words and to discover exactly what the singer is singing about. However difficult it may be, it’s not impossible to translate the libretto. You simply need to feel the music and find a website to do the translation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Libretto
• Computer
• Internet access
• Lyrics

1. Purchase or download a copy of the opera and listen to the song that you’re most interested in learning more about. Listen to the song several times while remembering where the song played in reference to the rest of the stage show.
2. Find the lyrics to the music by searching Google or another search engine. You can usually find the lyrics by looking for the song or by entering a simple phrase from the song into the search engine.
3. Translate the entire song by using a free Italian to English translation program. There are several listed on the internet. Place the text in an easy to use file such as a Word or Works document.
4. Read through the translation to understand what the writer was trying to get across. Once you see the writing in your own native language, it’s easier to understand it’s meaning.
5. Change the words to express your own emotions and sentiments, taking special care to keep the overall meaning the same. While you probably won’t share these words with anyone else, you’ll now know exactly what the song is about and how it fits with the rest of the opera.

Tips & Warnings

• Translation programs translate the words as closely to English as possible, but the phrasing might be a little off with the verb and noun reversed or other small problems. That’s why translating the words into your own terminology makes the translation better.
• Be wary of any website that requires a fee to make a translation or requires you to download any software. There are enough websites that offer translations for free that you don’t need to pay to use one.

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