Die Frist ist um: Navigate the Language of 10 German Operas - Softcover

Hendricks, Bernd

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1008908525 ISBN 13: 9781008908529

Publisher: Lulu.com, 2021

Synopsis

“Die Frist ist um—Navigate the Language of 10 German Operas” is a compass, made of the author’s passion for music and language. Written for singers, vocal students and their teachers this book steers its readers through the treacherous waters of the German operatic language. At first, the readers get aquainted with the most relevant grammar rules presented in concise and comprehensible explanations. Then, they will learn a simplified method to access the meaning of a text without having to consult a translation. Now, the way is clear to approach the 10 most popular operas of the German repertoire. After providing intriguing background on the composers and librettists and their times, the book introduces the operas’ style, vocabulary and phrases, often uncovering the wit and depth of colloquial and local language. Highlight of each chapter are the linguistic interpretations of the most important—altogether 36—arias and duets. If the readers started reading this book fearful of a language that seems to be intimidating and complicated, they will finish it with a deeper understanding of the lyrics. From “Die Zauberflöte” to “Der Rosenkavalier,” from “Hänsel und Gretel” to “Tristan und Isolde”—they might find that discovering the beauty of the poetry is as rewarding as mastering the beauty of the music. “Die Frist ist um” is a reliable companion for role preparation and auditions and will help its readers to be successful in the increasingly competitive world of opera.

About this title

About the Author

For about two decades, Berlin-based language teacher and writer Bernd Hendricks has been teaching German to singers who aspire to perform and live in German-speaking countries. His workshops in Berlin, Vienna, and London are based on his widely read first book Ach ich fühl's-German for Opera Singers in Three Acts: Studying, Speaking, Singing, which is also available. More information about the German language and opera singers can be found at achichfuehls.wordpress.com.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1008908525
• ISBN 13: 9781008908529
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 379