English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach

Second Edition 2016.

Lyric diction is a portal to powerful and meaningful vocal performance because diction enables singers to communicate the vision of both the poet and the composer. The study of diction involves learning to perceive speech patterns in different languages, practicing their precise articulation, recognizing this in speech and singing, and developing an awareness of the refined movements of the articulators and their effects on singing tone.

In the second edition of English and German Diction for Singers, Amanda Johnston continues her comparative, modernized approach to lyric diction. This comprehensive resource offers a thorough analysis of the German and English languages and includes extensive oral drills, word lists, tables, charts, musical examples, and even tongue twisters. Unique to this publication is the illustration of the rhythmic timing and release of consonants within the International Phonetic Alphabet transcriptions in all musical examples.

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.
Improvements to the second edition include:

- An online workbook that includes extensive written exercises suitable for classroom or independent use
- Chapter-by-video clips that demonstrate the concepts addressed in the text
- Expanded chapters address the schwa, the treatment of monosyllabic incidental words, the use of R, and the correct formation of the elusive upsilon and extended epsilon
- Consideration of loan words and stressed vs. unstressed closed German vowels
- Integrated practice drills for mastering challenging and unfamiliar phonemes
- Enlarged musical examples show the rhythmic timing and release of voiced and voiceless consonants
- An expanded appendix on suggested repertoire for diction study
- Inclusion of specific diction choices suitable for musical theatre repertoire
- Expanded discussion of healthy glottal onsets, including the concept of juncture
- Use of the latest resources, namely Deutsche Rechtschreibung (2014) and Cambridge Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th edition (2011)

CONTENIDO:


Part I: Introduction
1: Elementary Concepts
2: Proficiency in English IPA
3: Proficiency in German IPA

Part II: English
4: Introduction to English Diction for Singers
5: English Phonemes
6: The Structure of English
7: Characteristic English Phonemes
8: Vowels
9: Glides and Approximants
10: Consonants
11: Advanced Concepts in Diction
12: Common Pitfalls

Part III: German
13: Introduction to German Diction for Singers
14: German Phonemes
15: The Structure of German
16: Characteristic German Phonemes
17: Vowels
18: Consonants
19: Advanced Concepts in Diction
20: Common Pitfalls

Part IV: English and German?common ground
21: Commonalities Between English and German
22: Legato Singing
23: Close but No Cigar
24: Lyric Diction in Opera
25: Concise History of the English Language

Appendix A: Glossary of Phonetic and Anatomical Terms
Appendix B: Supplements
Appendix C: Suggested Repertoire for Lyric Diction Study
Flashcard (removable reference for English and German IPA)