We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Genres

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Sprechgesang?

By Karize Uy
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 11,188
Share

Sprechgesang pertains to a musical method wherein the vocalist crosses between reciting and singing in performing a musical piece. It is usually compared to chanting, as both are very similar in reciting the text, while still using musical elements like rhythm and pitch. The technique is not uncommonly used in operas. Sprechgesang can be performed as a solo performance, a duet, or even by a choral group.

The concept of the sprechgesang originated from Germany, where the field of opera and theater flourished in the 1800s, a century after the likes of Mozart and Beethoven became established classical musicians. The word itself is translated as “spoken song.” The method is often confused or interchanged with another technique called the “sprechtimme,” or the “spoken voice,” although the latter is more declamatory than singing. This is because musical elements, particularly the tone of the lyrics, are not given much importance in sprechtimme, as opposed to the sprechgesang.

Many historical accounts attribute the beginnings of sprechgesang to Richard Wagner, a 19th-century musician who became one of the most influential and pioneering musicians in the world. One of Wagner’s goals was to bring together the styles of recitativo and aria, or speech and melody, probably to enrich his “music dramas” and further develop the moods within the narrative. The method of “speech singing,” however, became more prevalent in the 1900s, when German composer Arnold Schoenberg used the technique in his melodrama “Pierrot Lunaire,” given that his main performer, Albertine Zehme, was more of an actress than a singer. It is also interesting to note that the “spoken song” technique coincided with the rise of German “hip-hop,” which often includes rapping in the songs.

One important reason why sprechgesang is often used in melodrama and comedic operas is it can evoke and emphasize certain emotions, primary factors in expressionist art. Singing is generally very controlled and is required to be pleasurable to the ear, but the act does not necessarily permit and convey extreme emotions. The method of “spoken song,” however, allows the performer to revert to speech to express extreme happiness, fear, or grief. For example, the performer can use high-pitched tones with fast talking to convey happiness, but create low and lilting moans to express immense grief.

Sprechgesang as a singing technique can be very difficult to achieve, more so because there is no definite explanation as to how it should be correctly done. The method allows the performer to use elements of ordinary speech, but the end result should not be as such. No specific pitches are employed, but the performance should still contain a “musical” touch, and is often required to keep a certain rhythm.

Share
Musical Expert is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-sprechgesang.htm
Copy this link
Musical Expert, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Musical Expert, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.