The Singer's Manual of English Diction (Paperback)

~ Madeleine Marshall (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Schirmer; 1 edition (July 1, 1953)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028711009
• ISBN-13: 978-0028711003
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #268,002 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Singer's English Diction Bible, August 23, 2000

By	Voice Teacher (California) - See all my reviews

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still the standard, July 11, 2007

By	M. Parker (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Review of "The Singers' Manual of English Diction", April 6, 2000

By	"socref93" (Smithtown, NY) - See all my reviews

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.