Full Description
The Singer's Guide to German Diction is the essential foundation for a complete course in German diction for singers, vocal coaches, choral conductors, and anyone wishing to learn to learn the proper pronunciation of High German. Written by Valentin Lanzrein and Richard Cross, who each have years of experience on stage, in the voice studio, and in the diction classroom, it provides an all-encompassing and versatile reference for the rules of German diction and their exceptions.
Featuring an easily navigable format that uses tables and charts to support a visual understanding of the text, this guide allows the reader to find information on diction rules and quick help with the formation of each sound. It also places an emphasis on exceptions to the rules, which are crucial in learning the proper pronunciation of any language. Exceptions are not only provided with the diction rules, but are also gathered in a specific section for ease of reference. A glossary of difficult words, names, and exceptions is provided in the appendix, along with a section on Latin pronounced in the German manner.
Extensive pronunciation exercises, as well as IPA transcription worksheets and short examples from the vocal literature, are used for practical application of the diction rules, and feature musical exercises drawn from art song, opera, and oratorio. The book's companion website supplements these musical exercises with high-quality audio clips recorded by leading professional singers, providing an invaluable resource for independent study. A comprehensive companion for teachers, students, and singers alike, The Singer's Guide to German Diction brings German diction to life through its well-structured system of practice and reference materials.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Companion Website
I. FUNDAMENTALS
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Word Structure
II. VOWELS
Chapter 3: Introduction to Vowels
Chapter 4: Monophthongs I: Tongue Vowels
Chapter 5: Monophthongs II: Lip Vowels
Chapter 6: Monophthongs III: Mixed Vowels
Chapter 7: Diphthongs
III. CONSONANTS
Chapter 8: Introduction to Consonants
Chapter 9: Fricatives
Chapter 10: Plosives
Chapter 11: Nasals
Chapter 12: Laterals and Trills
Chapter 13: Affricates
IV. ADVANCED DICTION PROBLEMS
Chapter 14: Exceptions, Vagaries and Problem Words
Chapter 15: Sounds from Foreign Loanwords
Chapter 16: German Latin
APPENDIX
Alphabetical Index of German Spellings
Index of Difficult Words, Names and Exceptions
Glossary
Bibliography
General Index
