Singing in Polish: A Guide to Polish Lyric Diction and Vocal Repertoire

(Paperback)

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Singing in Polish: A Guide to Polish Lyric Diction and Vocal Repertoire stands as the first book-length resource for non-Polishspeaking singers, voice teachers, and vocal coaches that offers the essential tools for learning how to sing in Polish. Scholar and singer Benjamin Schultz offers a rich repertory of works virtually unknown outside of Poland, providing a unique catalyst for the introduction of Polish vocal music into the English-speaking world of performance. Never before has Polish vocal music been made so accessible to the musical world.

With a foreword by Timothy Cheek, the author of Singing in Czech, as well as an overview of the development of Polish music by renowned violinist, Polish music specialist, and scholar Tyrone Greive, Singing in Polish concisely outlines the science and art of Polish lyric diction through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The included texts of more than 60 art songs and arias from some of the most distinguished Polish composers of all time each feature IPA transcriptions and English translations. Appendixes include lists of key Polish music publishing companies, cultural centers, and Polish poets.

Singing in Polish fills a void for singers, voice teachers, and vocal coaches in the Western tradition. It is a invaluable resource for anyone looking to add global variety to vocal performance in the studio, classroom, concert hall, or on the operatic stage.

Reviews

The reference list is substantial, and Greives discourse on Polish music is well documented. It is indisputable that volumes such as this encourage the exploration of repertoire that is often overlooked.... [S]ingers and pianists who wish to delve into this repertoire are provided with pronunciation and translation assistance. Singing in Polish is successful as a guide to lyric diction, and serves as a starting point for deeper investigation into this literature. * Journal of Singing *
Singing in Polish: A Guide to Polish Lyric Diction and Vocal Repertoire is a practical guide and good starting point for a native English-speaking artist interested in exploring Polish operatic and song literature. Timothy Cheeks Singing in Czech: A Guide to Czech Lyric Diction and Vocal Repertoire opened up a whole new world of literature for the voice to Americans who wanted to explore pieces in Czech. With this work, published fifteen years later, Benjamin Schultz follows that tradition and opens the world of Polish vocal literature to a new audience. . . .I would certainly recommend this book as an addition to the personal libraries of teachers and students alike. Recommended. * The Opera Journal *
[This] is a unique and pioneering work both with respect to the approach to its subject and to its scope...it will prove extremely useful, both for teachers and for performing artists. -- Ewa Podles, contralto
I am not sure how I would even attempt to sing in Polish were it not for Benjamin Schultzs book Singing in Polish. Kudos to Benjamin Schultz for thinking of this project and for championing works by Polish composers. -- Susanne Mentzer, international mezzo- soprano and professor of Voice
The solo vocal music of Poland is truly beautiful and rewarding for singers and audiences alike, but Polish lyric diction has often been an insurmountable obstacle to singers wishing to explore the music. This book will undoubtedly help to change that. -- Daniel Weeks, associate professor of Music, College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati

Author Bio

Benjamin Schultz holds degrees in vocal performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Belmont University, and the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. He currently serves as the assistant director of the School of Music at the University of WisconsinMadison. As a bass-baritone, he has sung in numerous operas and performed oratorios and solo recitals. He has received national recognition from Polish cultural organizations for his research and performance of Polish vocal music.