Singer's Italian: A Manual of Diction and Phonetics [Paperback]

Evelina Colorni (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 002870620X | ISBN-13: 978-0028706207 | Publication Date: July 1, 1995 | Edition: 1

This book is meant primarily for singers, but may also interest voice teachers, coaches, accompanists, conductors, composers and editors. It deals with Italian phonetics as used in lyric diction and considers the changes that occur between the manner in which a language isspoken and the way it is sung. These changes are due to the inherent differences between speech and song. Since it is written for the singer whose native language is English and who wishes to sing Italian, it is based on a constant comparison between Italian and English.

This book guides the singer, by means of discussion and drill, to acquiring an efficient and effective Italian diction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Schirmer; 1 edition (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 002870620X
• ISBN-13: 978-0028706207
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Singer's Italian, November 15, 2003

By 

Eileen Davis (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Singer's Italian: A Manual of Diction and Phonetics (Paperback)

Colorni's book has stood the test of time. But it's complexity is indeed more suitable for aspiring classical singers rather than amateur singers. Colorni approaches everything in much detail, which is both good and not so good! The information is there for the taking but the format is somewhat intimidating. Although the Italian language seems to be one of the easiest for singers to pronounce, it is full of exceptions at every turn. Whether there is a better way around this subject remains to be found. In the meantime. Colorni's book is the one to choose for detailed information on this subject.

Eileen Davis, Author of Sing French

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine guide to lyric diction, August 10, 2009

By 

Kerry Beard (Rexburg, ID) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Singer's Italian: A Manual of Diction and Phonetics (Paperback)

Of course, you need to study the IPA a little to understand some of the terminology that is used in this book, but it is well worth it in the long run. I get frustrated with people that say they don't need to worry about IPA transcriptions; they just know how to pronounce it... Well, that attitude will allow a certain amount of success as Italian is a relatively easy language to pronounce for Anglophones, but if it is your desire at all to be a singer - a good singer - buy this book. It instructs very well, gives perfectly relevant practices, and was a joy to study. The vowel chart is a little outdated; there have certainly been advances in phonetics since it was written, but they work. The other lyric diction books from this same series are also of equal level.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Singer's Italian (still helps to have a teacher), February 9, 2009

By 

A. Rader "booky556" (Michigan USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Singer's Italian: A Manual of Diction and Phonetics (Paperback)

This book was recommended to me by my Vocal Diction Professor. It is a very good and thorough book, but it is necessary to have a fairly good grasp at IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet). Some of it was a little over my head, but my teacher was able to help me out. It has some great lists and pronunciation guides. I recommend this to people who are serious about singing in Italian correctly and have someone they can go to if they do not already know IPA.