A Handbook of Diction for Singers: Italian, German, French [Paperback]

David Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2008

Now in its second edition, A Handbook of Diction for Singers is a complete guide to achieving professional levels of diction in Italian, German, and French, the three major languages of the classical vocal repertory. Written for English-speaking singers and offering thorough, consistent explanations, it is an ideal tool for students and an invaluable reference for voice teachers, vocal coaches, and conductors. The book combines traditional approaches proven successful in the teaching of diction with important new material not readily available elsewhere, presenting the sounds of each language in logical order, along with essential information on matters such as diacritical marks, syllabification, word stress, and effective use of the variety of foreign-language dictionaries. Presented in an attractively concise format, the book goes into greater detail than comparable texts, providing specific information to clarify concepts typically difficult for English-speaking singers. Particular emphasis is placed on the characteristics of vowel length, the sequencing of sounds between words, as well as the differences between spoken and sung sounds in all three languages. Featuring significantly expanded coverage of each of the three languages and illustrated with numerous examples, this second edition of A Handbook of Diction for Singers is an exceptional text for courses in diction and a valuable reference source for all vocalists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wow! No need to bother with other reference works for these three languages---it's all here and then some! I'm so impressed with Mr. Adams' thoroughness, clarity, and his ability to keep what could be a dry subject interesting, entertaining and stimulating. Any singer, voice teacher or collaborative pianist needs this on a very handy shelf."--Martin Katz, Pianist, Coach, and Conductor

"A Handbook of Diction for Singers will make an invaluable addition to any singer's library. The clarity and simplicity of Mr. Adams' approach to lyric diction is wonderful to read, and his years of teaching and the depth of his understanding only underscore his clear and clean explanation of the many aspects of this discipline. Bravo, David!"-Warren Jones, Pianist

"David Adams' contribution to the singer's bookshelf is invaluable. He not only provides a clear, pragmatic guide to diction for singers and pianists but approaches the topic with a fine ear for music and a deep understanding of the challenges singers face in uniting music and text."--Brian Zeger, collaborative pianist and Director of Vocal Arts, Juilliard School

About the Author

David H. Adams has sung as lyric tenor in opera and concert in Italy, Austria, Germany, and the US. He has been on the faculty of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music since 1980, and is currently Head of the Performance Studies Division of the Conservatory. He is artistic director of the Opera Theater and Music Festival of Lucca (Italy), and has served on the faculty of the Aspen Music School.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (January 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195325591
• ISBN-13: 978-0195325591
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > German > Instruction
  • #95 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Italian
  • #96 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Italian

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference for All Singers, April 28, 2004

By 

Student (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Handbook of Diction for Singers: Italian, German, French (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but look for the new edition, June 19, 2008

By 

Singer Peter (Astoria, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Handbook of Diction for Singers: Italian, German, French (Paperback)

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.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome teacher made awesome book!!!!, March 19, 2008

By 

O. Kwon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Handbook of Diction for Singers: Italian, German, French (Paperback)

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.