Here are some common problems/experiences for the learning classical singer:
- I have to sing this piece in a foreign language, I haven't learned this language before!
- I know some French, but this is in German! I don't have a clue!
- The music scores don't give any guidance on how to pronounce the words.
- Some scores give you a translation of the words into English; this is no use as the sounds of the words completely change and the emphasis and inflection of the words will be entirely different, thus changing the piece dramatically.
- I want to perform this piece as intended by the composer, therefore singing an English translation would be inappropriate.
Don't worry learned scholar, help is at hand!
Go this fabulous website: www.ipasource.com where you will find literal translations of popular classical pieces.
This site recognises the desire to pronounce words in foreign languages accurately, but most singers don't have the time to learn what they mean. IPA source shows you how to pronounce each word and gives you a direct translation of that word into english. That way, you know which words to emphasise in a piece and assists you greatly with exploring your own interpretation of a song.
