resources for various forms of Latin

Date: February 1, 2010

Dear Dan and others,

This is an interesting topic. I just recently conducted the Dvorak Mass in D and used a Germanic approach to the Latin. I am not sure if that was justified, but I actually think the chorus sounded better singing it that way, though some of my members worked hard to get used to making these changes in their Latin pronunciation.

What resources are available for various Latin diction issues? Can anyone recommend a good text for the German and French Latin approaches?

Thanks so much,

Malcolm Halliday (Master Singers of Worcester in Worcester, MA)

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Leonard Ratzlaff on February 1, 2010 12:19pm

One of the most thoroughly researched sources for Latin diction approaches throughout Europe is Harold Copeman "Singing in Latin" (Oxford, 1990 - self published). I am not sure where it would presently be available, but you could try online. He traces the development of Latin pronunciation across Europe, beginning with a chapter on pre-1650 pronunciation, and then providing a very detailed and interesting overview of practice since 1650 in all European countries, including of course French and German Latin traditions.

Len Ratzlaff

University of Alberta

Richard Allen Roe on February 1, 2010 3:14pm

Hi Malcolm,

Vera U. G. Scherr (www.vera-scherr.de) wrote an important book on the topic in 1991, published by Bärenreiter. She is extremely thorough, but the book is in German. Copeman's book is the only one I know of in English, though there are probably others.

One good way to learn about this is to listen to other choirs, especially European choirs on tour in the USA. If you are not near a major city, where such concerts take place, get the recordings (some would suggest this anyway).

ACDA conventions (and the like), such as the one coming up in Philadelphia, will often have choral performances by top flight US groups, who sing various forms of Latin.

Another way is to actually sing for a significant period with such a group...though you would (presumably) only learn that one approach, at least in theory.

Best regards,

Rick

Rupert Damerell on February 3, 2010 11:35am

Most of the Copeman book was re-written to be included in Tim McGee's book "Singing Early Music" ( uni Indiana press - i think). This has the added benefit of a CD with examples, not just of the various latins, but also medieval english, french etc.

It's a fascinating thing to get into, and enriches your singers' experience and appreciation of the music, knowing more of its historical context.

Best

Rupert Damerell

Rick Dechance on February 4, 2010 6:34am

Let me second Rupert's recommendation of "Singing Early Music." It's been an invaluable reference for me and my early music group.

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