MH Voice Studio

~Quotes from the masters on the vital role of language and comprehension in classical singing~

From "Great Singers on Great Singing" by Jerome Hines:
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Singers-Singing-Interviews-Technique/dp/0879100257

“I will stress very much that young people learn the languages and pronunciation.”
- Nicolai Gedda (1925-2017), Swedish tenor

"I also think the words have to mean something to you. You must know the language you're singing in."
- Roberta Peters (1930-2017), American coloratura soprano

From "Pavarotti" directed by Ron Howard:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07Y5LVS8S/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

“How can you sing in front of an audience and say something if you don't believe in it. There is no bluff in this profession.”
- Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007), Italian tenor

From "Master Singers: Advice from the Stage" by Donald George:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Singers-Advice-Donald-George/dp/0199324182

“Understanding what you’re singing is foremost in communication.”
“Languages are very important.”
- Greer Grimsley, American bass-baritone

“If you sing as you speak, that is best.”
“I think technique is very important, but learning languages is very important too. It’s easier when you’re younger to learn languages.”
- Kathleen Kim, Korean coloratura soprano

“Learn to speak the language and get the grammar in your head.”
“the more of the language you have under your belt, the easier it is.”
- Lisette Oropesa, American soprano

“The understanding of the text must be from the beginning of the study as important as proper tones and healthy technique.”
- Gerhard Siegel, German tenor

“Work on languages”
“If you’re really singing, and by that I mean you understand intimately every word and sing every word...it will be felt.”
- Denyce Graves-Montgomery, American mezzo-soprano

“It was not possible to have more language study when I was a student, but I wish that there had been… there was not enough time for thorough language study on top of all of my other courses.”
- Alan Held, American bass-baritone

“Drill more languages. Not just the diction. Go take the class. Learn the grammar. Learn the language. I can’t say that I am fluent in anything, including English, but I know the languages well enough to be able to pick up a piece of music and recognize 80 percent of the words.”
- Christine Goerke, American dramatic soprano

“Your diction classes are wonderful and useful, but learn a language. Every singer should learn another language (or two). You’re going to work as a classical singer consistently in the big four languages (English, Italian, German, and French)”
- Thomas Hampson, American baritone

“I wish I had learned the singing languages more intimately…Learning languages cannot be emphasized enough, if not for the art itself, then for functioning in other countries.”
- Nicole Cabell, American soprano

“You need to master the languages. Get out there and learn French, German, Italian”
- Joyce DiDonato, American mezzo-soprano