Product Description

A Handbook of Diction for Singers is a textbook for the proper pronunciation and idiomate use in singing of the three foreign languages that every English-speaking singer must deal with: Italian, German, and French. The purpose of the book is to combine traditional approaches found in other diction texts with important material not readily available elsewhere. The international phonetic alphabet is the primary tool used to convey the sounds of each language, which are presented logically and sequentially, along with other relevant information, such as diacritical marks, syllabificaiton, word stress, and what to look for in dictionaries. Particular attention is paid to characteristics of vowel length for each language. The book presents additional detailed information and discussion of aspects of the languages as they relate to singing. For Italian, there is an extensive discussion of the execution of phrasal diphtohongs not found in other texts, as well as a detailed appendix presenting patterns of open and closed e and o. For German, the question of when to use glottal attacks in singing is thoroughly discussed, as is the execution of phrasal consonant clusters. The French chapter gives many examples of musical settings of mute e (schwa) and of glides; liasion is concisely but thoroughly presented. A Handbook of Diction for Singers is appropriate for beginning levels if used selectively, but is thoroughness makes it valuable for more advanced levels.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #756175 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Review
David Adams...has produced an exceptionally well-plotted book on the often thorny topice of singers' diction....one of the great strengths of this book is its efficient use of examples, both spoken and musical. -- Bruce Neswick, The American Organist

Review

"A major contribution to the literature on lyric diction....[It brings] new insights and approaches into well-trodden ground....An essential book for the studio of any voice teacher."--Leslie De'Ath, in the Journal of Singing
"An excellent handbook, very useful for teachers and advanced singers. The author is very familiar with most students' problems and addresses important areas such as glottals in German."--Timothy Cheek, The University of Michigan

About the Author
David Adams is at University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Reference for All Singers
Professor David Adams skillfully offers keen insight into the basics of Italian, German, and French diction. In addition to covering the most general rules, he goes on to explain common exceptions and more elusive nuances of each language within the context of a singer's perspective. Some familiarity with the International Phonetic Alphabet is helpful but not necessary.

This book will prove a tremendous asset for any singer whose goal is more than simply singing correct notes. It will assist in adding that element of expression only possible with the clarity of the text as it was intended by the composer.

Excellent but look for the new edition
This is an excellent resource that I've used many times in my song study. I recently purchased the updated 2008 edition also by Adams, and it contains much of the same great material. I'd recommend either edition, but the latter does have more current research that makes it a bit more desirable.

Awesome teacher made awesome book!!!!
Prof. Adams was my previous voice teacher at College-Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati. Now I study voice at University of Illinois. We used his book for Diction class. Every terminology and explanation is very clear. It is best reference book for singers.