Linguistics for Singers: An Introduction

This book is a valuable resource for singing instructors who want to provide a more detailed understanding of singing in different languages. It discusses four key languages that represent extensive and widely performed art song repertoire and provides principles that can be applied to other languages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Singing pedagogy is a field that is constantly evolving, and there is a growing need for resources that can help instructors provide a more detailed understanding of singing in different languages. This article aims to address this gap by discussing four key languages that represent extensive and widely performed art song repertoire, while also providing principles that can be applied to other languages.

The first language that we will examine is German. German is widely considered to be the language of opera, and it is home to a rich and diverse art song repertoire. German singers are known for their precision, clarity, and emotional depth, and their repertoire includes works by composers such as Wagner, Brahms, and Schubert.

The second language that we will examine is French. French is also widely considered to be the language of opera, and it is home to a rich and diverse art song repertoire. French singers are known for their elegance, grace, and emotional expressiveness, and their repertoire includes works by composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Poulenc.

The third language that we will examine is Italian. Italian is widely considered to be the language of bel canto, and it is home to a rich and diverse art song repertoire. Italian singers are known for their beautiful, delicate voices, and their repertoire includes works by composers such as Rossini, Donizetti, and Puccini.

The fourth language that we will examine is Spanish. Spanish is widely considered to be the language of flamenco, and it is home to a rich and diverse art song repertoire. Spanish singers are known for their passionate, dramatic voices, and their repertoire includes works by composers such as Granados, de Falla, and Rodrigo.

In addition to discussing these four key languages, this article will also provide principles that can be applied to other languages. One of the most important principles is the importance of breath control. Breath control is essential for singing in any language, but it is particularly important in languages that require a lot of sustained vocal production, such as German and French.

Another important principle is the importance of diction. Diction is the clarity and precision of the singer's pronunciation of the words. It is essential for singing in any language, but it is particularly important in languages that have a lot of complex vocal ornamentation, such as Italian and Spanish.

Finally, this article will also discuss the importance of phrasing. Phrasing is the way that the singer shapes the melody of a song. It is essential for singing in any language, but it is particularly important in languages that have a lot of rhythmic and melodic complexity, such as Spanish and French.

In conclusion, singing pedagogy is a field that is constantly evolving, and there is a growing need for resources that can help instructors provide a more detailed understanding of singing in different languages. This article aims to address this gap by discussing four key languages that represent extensive and widely performed art song repertoire, while also providing principles that can be applied to other languages. By understanding the unique characteristics of each language, instructors can better prepare their students for success in the world of singing.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 181 x 260 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032341521