English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach

Amanda Johnston provides a comprehensive resource offering a modern approach to lyric diction and a thorough analysis of German and English.

The third edition expands the discussion of many crucial concepts, such as stylistic diction choices for musical theatre, the varied treatment of ＂R＂ across genres, healthy glottal onsets, and the correct formation of the elusive epsilon, the curly-tail ＂J,＂ and the extended epsilon. Unique features include the deconstruction of the schwa and the illustration of the rhythmic timing and release of consonants within musical examples.

The book includes extensive oral drills, musical examples, as well as a multimedia package of chapter-by-chapter video clips and an e-workbook on IPA character transcription. It is designed for the study of both English and German lyric diction, either consecutively or simultaneously, and is a valuable resource for singers, vocal coaches, voice teachers, and collaborative pianists alike.

Canadian collaborative pianist and vocal coach Amanda Johnston is professor of music at the University of Mississippi where she is music director for the opera theatre, teaches advanced diction, and coaches undergraduate and graduate singers. She is also instructor of German at the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA).