English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach
Author(s): Amanda Johnston (Author)
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication Date: 1 Feb. 2011
Language: English
Print length: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 081087766X
ISBN-13: 9780810877665
Book Description
Often underestimated, lyric diction is a portal to powerful performance. It is through lyric diction that singers are able to communicate the wishes and desires of the poet, as well as the composer. Far beyond memorizing the rules of pronunciation, the study of diction involves learning to perceive speech patterns in different languages, practicing their precise articulation, recognizing this in one’s own speech and singing, as well as in that of others, and developing an awareness of the refined, delicate movements of the articulators and their subsequent effect on singing tone. Amanda Johnston takes a modernized approach to the study of lyric diction in English and German Diction for Singers. Utilizing the latest adaptation of the Neue Rechtschreibung (2009), Johnston makes German increasingly accessible through the recognition that English and German are related languages, and thus have many things in common with regard to lyric diction. This comprehensive resource includes a thorough analysis of the German and English languages, as well as lists, tables, charts, musical examples, and even tongue twisters. Specific topics addressed include the German schwa, the use of the curly-tail J in German, the treatment of R in both languages, and the correct formation of the elusive open U and the extended Epsilon. Lyric diction is a mandatory subject area for all prospective opera singers and music students enrolled in an academic institution. This book is designed for both undergraduate and graduate courses in German and English lyric diction and is an invaluable resource for classical singers, vocal coaches, and voice teachers alike.
Editorial Reviews
Review
This book shows Johnston’s extensive background in lyric or singing diction and also in the German language. . . . This book can be used for various courses of study for singers and is also a good reference work to possess for any singer or coach as a valuable tool for preparing a vocal performance. In addition it can be used by ESL students and also for undergraduate graduate studies either in separate English and German diction courses or as a combined course. ― American Music Teacher
The analogy is an excellent example of the author’s skill in enlivening the study of diction. Voice teachers and coaches will find this volume a useful addition to their libraries; those diction courses that combine English and German will find in this a tailor-made text. ―
Journal of Singing
English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach is written as a text for undergraduate- and graduate- level voice students and vocal coaches….English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach is a musical, linguistic, and physical explanation of vocal production in English and German for singers. Each sound is prefaced with a brief description, three to five words or short phrases to isolate the sound, phonetic spelling using IPA, and for German, the English translation of the word(s). Musical excerpts of German art songs are presented with IPA printed below the text. The explanation of the position of the mouth, tongue, and lips for each vowel and consonant is extremely detailed. This information is beneficial to both voice teachers and choral conductors desiring to develop a choral unified sound. This textbook, paired with the study of conversational German, is a useful tool for music educators and vocal performers. ―
Music Educators Journal
Book Description
Often underestimated, lyric diction is a portal to powerful performance. It is through lyric diction that singers are able to communicate the wishes and desires of the poet, as well as the composer. Amanda Johnston takes a modernized approach in English and German Diction for Singers, making German increasingly accessible through the recognition that English and German are related languages, and thus have many things in common with regard to lyric diction. This comprehensive resource includes a thorough analysis of the German and English languages, as well as lists, tables, charts, musical examples, and even tongue twisters. Designed for both undergraduate and graduate courses in German and English lyric diction, this book is an invaluable resource for classical singers, vocal coaches, and voice teachers alike.
About the Author
Amanda Johnston is assistant professor of music at the University of Mississippi. She is a collaborative pianist and vocal coach, as well as the Artistic Director of the art song series In Recital and on faculty at Lied Austria.
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