A Singer's Manual of Spanish Lyric Diction [Paperback]

Nico Castel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Castel, diction coach and tenor at the Metropolitan Opera, shares his knowledge of languages and experience in coaching and teaching (at Juilliard and elsewhere) to help singers master an often neglected language. The author hopes to stimulate interest in Spanish vocal music through this book, in part by including a list of Spanish music for singers. Castel uses the initially intimidating International Phonetic Alphabet 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. He succeeds admirably in explaining the many subtleties of Spanish; however, convincing Spanish may well require a live coach. Recommended for large music collections serving singers or students of voice.
James E. Ross, Seattle P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: Excalibur Publishing (NY) (July 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962722693
• ISBN-13: 978-0962722691
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,791,999 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite good, March 15, 2001

By 

Felipe Gasper - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Singer's Manual of Spanish Lyric Diction (Paperback)

I have found this manual to be quite good, which is convenient since there is practically nothing else out there for Spanish singing that I know of. Castel's book provides quick-reference as well as detailed guides to pronouncing Spanish, and he gives good coverage of Spanish variants that one may come across. The repertoire suggestions are handy as well. About the only thing I can think of to improve the edition would be a CD with audio samples of the various sounds, since there are some that are indigenous to Castilian Spanish. This of course would drive up the price, but I think it'd be worth it since most people purchasing this book *genuinely* want to sing well in Spanish.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A absolute must for Spanish Diction, June 23, 2000

By 

Donna Falconer - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Singer's Manual of Spanish Lyric Diction (Paperback)

As a pianist and coach for Western Canadian Opera companies and Universities, I consider Nico Castel's book to be an absolute must for those considering Spanish repertoire. Nico Castel has a unique knowledge of languages and a remarkable gift for communication. Utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), this volume is ideal for singers and coaches beginning to work with Spanish repertoire, or for those already familiar with the language and genre. I recommend it very highly.

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute essential for Spanish Diction, June 23, 2000

By 

Donna Falconer - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Singer's Manual of Spanish Lyric Diction (Paperback)

As a pianist and coach for Western Canadian opera companies and Universities I can absolutely recommend this volume as essential for every singer and coach interested in pursuing Spanish repertoire. Nico Castel is an amazing artist with a remarkable facility for languages and a gift for communicating his knowledge. This book, utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet, is ideal for singers attempting Spanish repertoire for the first time, and for those experienced in the language and genre.