Words then music.
A terrific read on the literary foundations of some of the greatest operas: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/opera/greatest-stories-set-to-music-20111118-1nmas.html
A terrific read on the literary foundations of some of the greatest operas: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/opera/greatest-stories-set-to-music-20111118-1nmas.html