Opera Libretti, Translations, and Opera History
Explore opera libretti, composer biographies, historical milestones, and professionally formatted side-by-side translations.
A curated guide to the world’s most important operas, composers, and libretto traditions.
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Cavalleria rusticana: Italian–English Side-by-Side Libretto With Translation
A new English translation of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana is now available on LibrettoArchive.
Macbeth: Italian–English Side-by-Side Libretto With Translation
A new Verdi opera is now available on LibrettoArchive: Macbeth, with the complete Italian libretto and a new English translation in side-by-side format.
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Today in Opera History — August 12
All1633
Death of Jacopo Peri, Italian composer and singer considered the “father of opera,” best known for composing *Dafne* (c. 1597), regarded as the earliest known opera.
1845
Giuseppe Verdi's "Alzira", with a libretto by Salvadore Cammarano after Voltaire, received its world premiere at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples.
1875
Argentine conductor and composer Ettore Panizza was born in Buenos Aires. Closely associated with La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and Teatro Colón, he also composed the opera "Aurora".
1890
American soprano Lillian Evanti was born in Washington, D.C. She became the first African American to sing with a professional European opera company and built an international career as a coloratura soprano.
1900
Birth of American opera singer Coe Glade, famed for her portrayal of Carmen in *Carmen*.
The Daily Opera Chronicle
Selected premieres and milestones from the world of opera — published daily.
The complete archive remains here on the website.