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Pronouncing Table of Composers and Singers
The constant appearance of new names (both composers and singers) in the Victor lists will make this table quite useful. It is not intended to be a complete list of singers and composers in the Victor Catalogues, but includes only those names the pronunciation of which is not clear and those difficult to pronounce. The sign (’) denotes the syllable to be accented.
Some Remarks on Pronunciation of Foreign Names and Titles
In most pronouncing dictionaries it is necessary to consult a key list with such symbols as 4, 4 a, representing different sounds of the various vowels, etc. The Victor endeavors to do away with this list, and indicates the approximate pronun‘ciations without the use of such symbols,—using ah for the sound of a as in barn; oh for o as in boat; and ay for a as in ate; etc.
Some Sounds Difficult to Indicate
It must be understood, however, that it is quite impossible to give exactly the sound of some foreign letters (such as the French e, and n, or the German w). For instance, the last syllable of Chopin, indicated pahng—which is quite as near as one can come in English characters,—is pronounced, as some one has said, by commencing to sound the ng, but stopping midway, and closing the back of the | throat to throw the sound through the nose. |
The French e (as in de) might be indicated deh, but is pronounced with the | lips almost closed. Put your lips in position to pronounce oo, as in food, then say deh instead, and you will come very near it. —The German w (as in Wagner) is neither a w nor a v, but just between them. Begin the word as though it was spelled Vagner, but instead of pressing the teeth firmly against the lower lip, press them very lightly and then go through the motion of sounding the v.
The editor has indicated these pronunciations as nearly as possible, and they will be found correct enough for practical purposes. Try to pronounce the entire ele rapidly without hesitation, putting a marked accent on the syllable marked with a “7”,
NOTE—While these are the strictly correct pronunciations, it is only fair to say that many of the names, such as David, Mozart, Meyerbeer, Wagner, Weber, Verdi, Thomas, etc., are frequently pronounced just as spelled, and common usage has sanctioned these pronunciations.
Questions or Comment Invited
Inquiries or criticisms regarding pronunciations or any other subject will be welcomed by the Catalogue Editor. This catalogue is for your convenience, and you should feel free to criticise, praise or ask for information.
Pronunciations of Artists’ Names
Acerbi (AhA-cher’-bi) Banda de Policia Boninsegna
Albani (AAI-bah’-nee) (Bahn-dah day (Bon-neen-syn’-yah)
Ancona (Ahn-koh’-nah) Po-lee’-see-ah) | Brambilla (Bram-beel-ya)
Andreef (An-dree’f) Banda Pabellon de Calvé (Kahl'-veh)
Amato (Ah-mah’-toe) Rosas Caronna (Kahr-ron’-nah)
Balalaika (Bahn-dah Pah-bel-yon | Carré (Kar-ray’) (Bal-lah-lie’-kah) day Ro-zahz) | Caruso (Kah-roo’-soh)
Barbaini (Bahr-byan’-ee) | Cigada (See-gah’-dah)