English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach

by Amanda Johnston

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.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Amanda Johnston is a collaborative pianist and vocal coach. She is associate professor of music at the University of Mississippi, Oxford. She is also on faculty at Musiktheater Bavaria.

Reviews

[Iris Fordjour-Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Written

This textbook is well written and newly organized. I a love the new format which includes worksheets at the end of the chapters. I use this textbook in my diction courses. Thank you to the author and pedagogue, Amanda Johnston.