Why British People Lose Their Accent When They Sing
Added 2021-02-22 17:19:41 +0000 UTCScript for a new video.
Comments
I also wonder if it almost helps if one DOESN'T speak the language in some of these cases: clipping the words may seem less foreign to someone learning the song phonetically instead of a native speaker memorizing the actual words. Then again, it certainly didn't hurt Pavarotti, so maybe not...
Greg B
2021-02-22 20:02:36 +0000 UTCYou are right. There are some strong consonants in German opera. And that is what makes it hard! I think you hit the nail on the head, German composers had such a huge influence on opera that a distinct style of German opera formed. Much like American culture has an effect now, German music and accent changed classical music. However, Germans and anyone singing German opera still have to keep the consonants short and adapt their vowels and those original vowel shapes came from the Italians.
2021-02-22 19:55:30 +0000 UTCThis write-up is fantastic, thank you! I love your breakdowns: they're clear, succinct, and fun. I can't offhand think of any artists who break mold too much on accent vs. style. I did have one question on your opera section, though. I totally agree that French opera emulates the Italian style something fierce, especially in early French opera. But, how do you think that German opera fits in? I mean, German is profoundly consonant-heavy, to my ear, but Wagner definitely made his mark on the opera world in a big way. What sets apart singers like Greer Grimsley (easily the most power Wotan I've ever heard) apart, since I have heard that singing German opera is harder than the other two?
Greg B
2021-02-22 18:08:02 +0000 UTC
