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  3. French Lyric Diction

French Lyric Diction (MUSI30262)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 6.25On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject introduces students to French diction for singers.

Students will acquire aural, oral and International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription skills, applying these to French-language vocal repertoire of the western classical tradition, with the aim of producing French speech sounds for singing with authentic prosody, efficient articulation, and meaningful communication. Differences between spoken and sung diction will be explored.

Assessment is based on written phonetic transcriptions, spoken/sung performances, and revision of class content. 

This subject is primarily designed for classical voice students and for pianists interested in vocal accompaniment. Other instrumentalists are welcome to enrol but should be aware of the singing component of the assessment tasks.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • read and recite French speech sounds, words, poems and other lyric texts with authentic pronunciation and prosody;
  • demonstrate familiarity with French art song of various styles by composers from different periods through listening, transcribing and performing;
  • prepare French lyric texts using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions and translations;
  • perform French lyric texts with correct pronunciation, appropriate prosody and communication of meaning.

Last updated: 4 March 2025