‘The Interpretation of French Song’ by Pierre Bernac is a must-have for singers, classical singers, voice teachers and vocal coaches. You need this book to sing in French, doesn’t matter if you’re a native or not. Even French-speaking singers will find his suggestions for interpretation, tempo, expression and dynamics to be invaluable.
Pierre Bernac had a long and distinguished career as a singer, specializing in the French song (or melodie) repertoire. For several years he closely worked with composer Francis Poulenc (discussed in this book). M. Bernac later taught and gave master classes in Europe and the United States.
Among eighteen composers whose vocal works are covered in the book are Berlioz, Gounod, Duparc, Chausson, Fauré, Debussy, Satie, Ravel―as well as Poulenc and others. The greater part of each composer’s output in the genre is discussed: texts of nearly 200 songs are given in French, with line-for-line verse translations by Winifred Radford, notes on pronunciation, and simple but detailed suggestion for performance and interpretation. Preceding these sections on the songs themselves are three most important chapters on performance and interpretation in vocal music, on singing in French, and on the particular problems involved in the interpretation of French mélodies.
The book is also a valuable resource for any music library, for interpreting French art songs, and also an invaluable guide for the concert-goer and record collector.
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