German Phonetics and Diction

Abstract

Though we are confined in Italian and French to tradition and experience as our supreme law for phonetics and diction, we can base our rules for German diction on an officially sanctioned publication, Deutsche Bühnenaussprache-Hochsprache, by Theodor Siebs, which was published and republished at the initiative of the Association of German Theatrical Stages and the German Actors Union. It numbers among its contributors the foremost experts in phonetics and stage diction, and deals with singing diction as well. The accompanist or coach who wants to give his pupils an authoritative account will do well to own the book. My experience with German diction has at almost all points been supported by this book. I base this chapter on it and will deviate only where adjustment to singing is necessary.