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Essentials for the Classical Vocal Library: Part II

Thu February 7th, 2008 by Sarah Luebke

With the multitude of songs and arias in an array of languages, it is so important to execute accurate pronunciation and research a precise word for word/ poetic translation. I have pulled together a list of general diction and poetic translation books, as well as books more focused on one particular language and genre. This list is only the tip of the iceberg- please make comments if you have found a particular resource helpful that is not listed here.
Basic Diction Resources:

A Handbook of Diction for Singers: Italian, German, French by David Adams

Adams’ text offers insight into the basics of Italian, German, and French diction. He covers the most general rules, but also explains 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.

Diction for Singers: A Concise Reference for English, Italian, Latin, German, French and Spanish Pronunciation by Joan Wall

Diction for Singers guides singers to the pronunciation of English, Italian, Latin, German, French, and Spanish. The easy navigation leads the reader from the orthographic spelling to the sound, so she can see the general rules for spellings. Each language section includes quick reference tables showing all vowels and consonants with their common letter groups, and special pronunciations.

Phonetic Readings of Songs and Arias by Berton Coffin

This resource is great for every level of singer, beginning with simple principles such as word order and pronunciation, but also has information that is a handy reference for the advanced singer and teacher. The best thing about this volume is that translations of the original word order of the original language is given, so that the student can see how the language works in its own word order.

Italian Resources

Webster’s New World Italian Dictionary

The vocal studio library needs a dictionary in every language sung in the studio. Italian is certainly no exception. The Webster’s in an exceptional reference, featuring IPA pronunciation for each word listed. Because Italian pronunciation is regionally based, this resource seems to pull together the most common rules to create a more seamless pronunciation throughout.

501 Italian Verbs by John Colaneri and Vincent Luciani
Here is a fine quick-reference source for language students, teachers, and translators. The 501 most commonly used Italian verbs are listed in table form, one verb per page, and conjugated in all tenses, identified by English infinitive forms. Verbs are both regular and irregular, and are presented alphabetically for easy reference. Added material related to verbs and verb usage is also presented, including lists of hundreds more regular verbs, and idiomatic verb usage.

Masters of the Italian Art Song by Timothy LaVan

An invaluable reference text for singers, teachers, and vocal and operatic coaches, this volume contains the complete song texts of the songs for voice and piano of Bellini, Donaudy, Donizetti, Puccini, Rossini, Tosti, and Verdi, with word-by-word and poetic translations.

Singer’s Italian: A Manual of Diction and Phonetics by Evelina Colorni

A standard work on Italian diction. This book is planned to guide the singer, by means of discussion and drill, toward the acquisition of an efficient, effective Italian diction. Uses IPA.

Word-by-Word Translation of Songs and Arias: vol. 2 Italian by Arthur Schoep and Daniel Harris

This is an excellent resource for singers and pianists alike. All of the standard repertoire and much of the unique repertoire is included. Entries are easy to locate, and the translations provided are accurate and complete. A definite necessity for the vocal studio and budding performer!

German Resources

Langenscheidt’s German-English English-German Dictionary

Langenscheidt is the most trusted German dictionary out there. The pocket version is excellent, including 50,000 words and IPA.

German for Singers: A Textbook of Diction and Phonetics by William Odom and Benno Schollum

First published in 1981, German for Singers is an effective and authoritative guide to German diction for singers of every genre. The second edition is corrected, revised and updated and includes an audio CD demonstrating the sounds of the German language.

The Fischer- Dieskau Book fo Lieder with English translations by George Bird and Richard Stokes

This book offers poetic English translations of over 750 German Lieder texts neglected in other resources such as “Word by Word Translations of Songs and Arias.” An indispensable resource for singers, pianists, and others interested in Lieder who do not speak German. Also includes the greater portion of texts set by Schubert, Wolf, Schumann, etc. also includes texts set by more modern or obscure composers, such as Peter Cornelius and Clara Schumann.

Word-by-Word Translations of Songs and Arias: Part I German and French by Berton Coffin

This is an excellent resource for literal translations of both German and French Songs and Arias. In many cases the exact translation is awkward due to its syntax. In these cases, Coffin also offers a translation in English format.

French Resources

Larousse Francais Anglais Dictionary

Again, Larousse is the most trusted French dictionary around. The concise dictionary offers 130,000 translations, IPA, translation instructions and even grammar and conjugation help.

English Grammar for Students of French: The Study Guide for Those Learning French by Jacqueline Morton
This resource takes the mystery out of grammatical terminology. Parallel examples in English and in French make explanations clear. This latest edition has added exercises. Foreign language learning is much easier when the general concepts can be grasped and clearly understood, and easier translating can also be accomplished with clearer understanding of grammar.

Complete Guide to Conjugating 12000 French Verbs published by Bescherelle

This is without a doubt the definitive guide to conjugation of French verbs. It is an indispensable reference and not overwhelming for beginning students. This is a translation of the guide that French people themselves use, and includes thousands upon thousands of verbs. It shows every possible way to conjugate verbs in French. With extensive crossreferencing it saves TONS of space, only showing you unique ways to conjugate. Very easy to use, small, lightweight and portable.

The Interpretation of French Song by Pierre Bernac

Bernac’s writing is eloquent and graceful and the information he offers on French diction and song interpretation are easy to comprehend. The poems of major French poets, set to music by many foremost French composers, are analyzed with guidance on elision and liaison, breath points and interpretation. He also includes a poetic English translation of each poem.

Spanish Resources

A Singer’s Manual of Spanish Lyric Diction by Nico Castel

Castel hopes to stimulate interest in Spanish vocal music through this book, in part by including a list of Spanish music for singers. He uses IPA and examples from languages singers are likely to have studied as well as drawings and musical examples to illustrate correct Spanish pronunciation. For Castel, correct Spanish means the Castilian Spanish spoken in Spain, though he does examine Latin American variations and Ladino in separate sections.

Teach Yourself Catalan Complete Course by Alan Yates and Anna Poch

This is a great resource for pronouncing Catalan. Catalan is a dialect in the north of Spain, and many wonderful songs are in this dialect.

Portuguese For Dummies by Karen Keller

This is a good beginning resource for Portuguese pronunciation. Like Catalan, there are many wonderful classical and popular songs in Portuguese, and really no definitive singer’s pronunciation source. The book includes a CD with helpful pronunciation tips and corresponding charts inside the book.