Sprechstimme - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sprechstimme is a vocal technique between speaking and singing, where the performer follows musical pitches but without holding exact notes. It is commonly used in expressionist music.
Definition:
A vocal style between singing and speaking, used in expressionist music.
Synonyms:
speech-song, parlando, recitative
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
bel canto, pure singing
Common Collocations:
expressionist opera, vocal technique, dramatic performance
Derivatives:
sprechgesang (related term), sprechstimme-like
Usage Tips:
Use it to describe a hybrid vocal style blending speech and song in modern compositions.
Common Phrases:
"Pierrot Lunaire" style, half-sung recitation, dramatic narration
Etymology:
German origin: "Sprech" (speech) + "Stimme" (voice), coined in early 20th-century music.
Examples:
- 1. The singer used sprechstimme to convey eerie emotions in the performance.
- 2. Sprechstimme blurs the line between spoken dialogue and melodic singing.
- 3. The composer preferred sprechstimme for its dramatic and unsettling effect.
- 4. Learning sprechstimme requires control over pitch and rhythm like speech.