Customer Reviews

The Singer's Manual of English Diction

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a vocal technique teacher for more than 25 years, I've had plenty of experience using this book. Ms. Marshall's rules may sound stilted or downright weird by today's "standards," but when applied by a singer who knows and uses correct vocal technique, the singer instantly understands why she wrote what she wrote. I hope this never goes out of print!

The classic text on English diction for singers, a must for every classical singers and vocal coach. Well-presented and lucidly written.

One should bear in mind, however, that this is "high" English diction written by a British author. In singing art song, oratorio and opera well, one cannot go wrong here. However, as folk song and American art song enter the repertoire more and more, there will need to be a greater awareness of American lyric diction and more informal (but still elegant) diction, which is often legitimately applied. Excellent lyric diction is not about trying to sound affectedly British, but about presenting text with clarity, projective power, beauty, and authenticity--in a way that is vocally healthy and natural.

This is a well-written book on the phonetics of English diction. It is a good book and contains most but not all the rules and pronunciations of words in the English language. Just like any book involving vocal diction, this book does have variations of pronunciations, but not many. Overall it is a good addition to have in any singers collection.

Everything just fine - book was in the condition indicated, and arrived on time without a hitch.

I have used this book for teaching over the past 20 years or so. My first copy was lost by the post Office when I mailed some books... I had to replace the book because there are so many great exercises for improving English diction. Very clearly written and well organized.

Even though this was written some years ago, it is an invaluable source for teaching ALL singers the proper sounds for words in English WHEN SINGING. I used this book many years ago myself and since have shared it with other singers. I sang professionally for years. When I first started out, one of my accompanists gave me this book and it's been my "bible" ever since. This should be mandatory for all students of voice, professional singers, choir/choral directors, choir/choral members. Madeline Marshall has definitely given all singers an invaluable assist with this book!! I recommend it highly!!!!!!

This is indeed a classic and has proven invaluable to countless singers over the years. I want to correct the assertion by one of the customer reviewers. Madeleine Marshall is not a "British author." She states on page 3 of the book that she "grew up in the north of New York State."

This little standard text for vocalists leaves very little out. The only issues I might have is in the detail that is sometimes given, but not necessary (some times, it's just way too picky). Also, it would be helpful to have a workbook or problems used as examples. Other than that, it's about the best you can buy.

Useful for New Yorkers struggling to overcome their peculiar patois, but more harm than good for singers whose native tongue is already General American English. Marshall fails to distinguish adequately between British English and American English and often preaches the habits of the former as the only proper way to speak and sing. She insists that we should "never" -- with "no exceptions" -- sing r before a consonant. She would have us sing "chahm" instead of charm and "haht" instead of heart. She seems unaware that the voicing of post-stress intervocalic t's is standard in America, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. Regarded as the bible by pedantic choir directors who know music but not English, this book is perhaps responsible for two generations of annoyingly unnatural articulation by amateur singers.

Very pleased with this product. Seller shipped item in timely manner and excellent condition. Would purchase again from this seller in the future.