German Pronunciation Guide

by Norbert Meyn
Johannes Brahms
Ein Deutsches Requiem
www.choraline.com
1
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
Introduction
This ChoraLine pronunciation guide comes in three parts.
1 THE CHORALINE GUIDE TO SINGING IN GERMAN (Page 2)
with clear examples and symbols for vowel sounds, important consonants
and infection.
2 A LIST OF SOUNDS AND SYMBOLS (Page 7)
for reference and practice: using English word comparisons.
3 THE COMPLETE TEXT OF THE CHORAL WORK (Page 10)
with a word-for-word translation, phonetic (IPA) symbols for diffcult vowel
sounds and consonants, and clearly marked stresses of important syllables
and words.
The introduction, the list of sounds and symbols and the textbook work in
parallel with the ChoraLine Pronunciation CD, and we recommend using
them together for combined aural and visual learning. You can fnd the CD
trackmarks throughout the booklet.
Even if you do not speak any German, this guide will enable you to
pronounce the text correctly and with confdence. With the word for word
translation you can communicate the specifc meaning of each word
through your singing. It will also help you to enunciate the important words
and syllables in each phrase, so that the audience can understand it clearly
and enjoy the many expressive colours of the language.
Norbert Meyn
If you have purchased the ChoraLine Pronunciation CD,
please play it now as you read on.
Important: this ChoraLine guide book is strictly Copyright Material and may not in
any circumstances be copied for any purpose, disseminated electronically or be used
for public broadcast or performance without permission from the publishers.
ChoraLine 2011
PN001
Choir Folders Choral Music
Performance
CDs
Singing Sets Vocal Scores ChoraLine
Rehearsal
CDs & MP3s
Alto 1
Bach St Matthew Passion
Voice Part Rehearsal
ChoraLine brings the vocal score to life
and makes learning your part a real
pleasure Hear and assimilate the music you are
going to sing Rehearse using your vocal score in time
with the music Practice in the car or whenever you
cannot read the score Learn at your own pace and focus on
challenging sections Practice hitting the notes until you are
perfect ChoraLine is produced by Lloyd
Silverthorne in a neutral way so as not
to confict with the interpretation of
your conductor, yet hints at tempos and
dynamics throughout the piece.
A narrator will guide you with verbal cues
for key bar numbers, chorus entries and
rehearsal letters should you get lost. Each
track corresponds to a specifc bar number
so you can easily fnd and practice the
sections highlighted by your conductor.
Each voice is represented by a musical
instrument (S/Flute, A/Oboe, T/ French
Horn, B/Bassoon) making it easy to follow
your part and meaning you can use any
edition of the vocal score.
Use the balance control, on your stereo
system, to enhance or diminish your voice
part which you will hear in the right hand
speaker at a higher volume and a closer
perspective than the other parts.
The accompaniment, usually played on an
organ, is heard in both speakers. Where
soloists sing with the choir, or provide
a cue for the chorus, their part is in a
different registration. Choral singing requires dedication and
ChoraLine provides invaluable help in
ensuring you are fully prepared for your
performance.
Music Dynamics Limited
Bishops Leys Business Park
Butts Lane, Woodmancote
Cheltenham GL52 9QH
England, UK music@choraline.com t 01242 679379 f 01242 679700 www.choraline.com
Voice Part Rehearsal Alto 1
C L 3 2
Tenor
Bach Motets No. 2 (Der Geist hilft) / No. 4 (Frchte dich nicht)
Voice Part Rehearsal ChoraLine brings the vocal score to life
and makes learning your part a real pleasure Hear and assimilate the music you are going to sing Rehearse using your vocal score in time
with the music Practice in the car or whenever you cannot read the score Learn at your own pace and focus on challenging sections Practice hitting the notes until you are perfect
ChoraLine is produced by Lloyd Silverthorne in a neutral way so as not to confict with the interpretation of your conductor, yet hints at tempos and
dynamics throughout the piece. A narrator will guide you with verbal cues
for key bar numbers, chorus entries and
rehearsal letters should you get lost. Each
track corresponds to a specifc bar number
so you can easily fnd and practice the sections highlighted by your conductor. Each voice is represented by a musical instrument (S/Flute, A/Oboe, T/ French Horn, B/Bassoon) making it easy to follow
your part and meaning you can use any
edition of the vocal score.
Use the balance control, on your stereo
system, to enhance or diminish your voice
part which you will hear in the right hand
speaker at a higher volume and a closer
perspective than the other parts. The accompaniment, usually played on an
organ, is heard in both speakers. Where
soloists sing with the choir, or provide a cue for the chorus, their part is in a different registration. Choral singing requires dedication and
ChoraLine provides invaluable help in
ensuring you are fully prepared for your
performance.
Music Dynamics Limited Bishops Leys Business Park Butts Lane, Woodmancote Cheltenham GL52 9QH England, UK music@choraline.com t 01242 679379 f 01242 679700 www.choraline.com C L 2 0
Voice Part Rehearsal Tenor
Soprano Handel
Messiah
Voice Part Rehearsal
ChoraLine brings the vocal score to life
and makes learning your part a real
pleasure
Hear and assimilate the music you are
going to sing
Rehearse using your vocal score in time
with the music
Practice in the car or whenever you
cannot read the score
Learn at your own pace and focus on
challenging sections
Practice hitting the notes until you are
perfect
ChoraLine is produced by Lloyd
Silverthorne in a neutral way so as not
to confict with the interpretation of
your conductor, yet hints at tempos and
dynamics throughout the piece.
A narrator will guide you with verbal cues
for key bar numbers, chorus entries and
rehearsal letters should you get lost. Each
track corresponds to a specifc bar number
so you can easily fnd and practice the
sections highlighted by your conductor.
Each voice is represented by a musical
instrument (S/Flute, A/Oboe, T/ French
Horn, B/Bassoon) making it easy to follow
your part and meaning you can use any
edition of the vocal score.
Use the balance control, on your stereo
system, to enhance or diminish your voice
part which you will hear in the right hand
speaker at a higher volume and a closer
perspective than the other parts.
The accompaniment, usually played on an
organ, is heard in both speakers. Where
soloists sing with the choir, or provide
a cue for the chorus, their part is in a
different registration.
Choral singing requires dedication and
ChoraLine provides invaluable help in
ensuring you are fully prepared for your
performance.
Music Dynamics Limited
Bishops Leys Business Park
Butts Lane, Woodmancote
Cheltenham GL52 9QH
England, UK
music@choraline.com
t 01242 679379
f 01242 679700
www.choraline.com
CL223
Voice Part Rehearsal
Soprano
Singers
Music Bags
2 3
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
CD TRACK 1
1
The ChoraLine Guide to Singing
in German
In singing we use the highest and purest form of the German
Language, Hochsprache or Bhnensprache (stage-language).
CD TRACK 2
VOWELS
German has a greater variety of vowel sounds than many other languages.
All German vowel sounds have both open and closed variations.
OPEN VOWELS
Open vowels are usually short (when spoken), and mostly followed by two
or more consonants.
U
Gott Mutter
God mother
CLOSED VOWELS
Closed vowels are usually long (when spoken).
o: u:
gro gut
great good
In the ChoraLine pronunciation guide, open (or short) vowels are marked
with capital letters and closed (or long) vowels are marked with lower case
letters.
For clarity it is very important that when singing, open and closed vowels
are clearly differentiated. The only exception is the letter a, which can be
spoken short or long, but is always sung as a bright Italianate a.
THE WRITTEN VOWELS e AND i
The open and closed versions of these vowels are formed mainly by the
tongue, which gradually assumes a higher position in the mouth.
IPA SYMBOL
A colon after a vowel means it is pronounced long.
open e
closed e e:
open i I
closed i i:
THE WRITTEN VOWELS o AND u
Here the open and closed versions are formed mainly by the mouth and
lips, which gradually close.
IPA SYMBOL
open o
closed o o:
open u U
closed u u:
UMLAUTS , AND
Open or closed, they are formed with the same mouth shape as their
counterparts without the two dots, by raising the tongue inside the mouth.
IPA SYMBOL
(this is the same sound as the open e)
open
closed :
open Y
closed y:
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GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
CD TRACK 4
THE SCHWA SOUND
This is a very neutral sound, which is used when the letter e occurs in an
unstressed position. An example would be the frst syllable in the word
Geduld (patience) or the last syllable in the word Leben (life). In singing this
sound is usually bright and never strongly projected.
IPA SYMBOL
e (schwa) as in Leben (life)
THE SCHWA SOUND II
This sometimes replaces the letter r, for example in the German word mehr
(more). This sound can also replace the ending -er, exactly as in the English
word better, or in the last syllable of the German word Butter (butter).
IPA SYMBOL
-er, r (schwa II) as in Butter (butter)
DIPHTHONGS
Diphthongs are made up of two vowels. In singing the second vowel is only
sounded at the very last moment.
CD TRACK 5
IPA SYMBOL
ai as in Mai (May) a
e
au as in Traum (dream) a
o
eu as in heute (today)

The second vowel is not as closed as the spelling suggests, and closes
only partly.
CD TRACK 6
IMPORTANT CONSONANTS AND GROUPS OF CONSONANTS
h This is always silent after a vowel, and the preceding vowel
is always long and closed, as in the word gehen (to go).
ch 1 () as in the word ich (I). This sound can be diffcult. It is
produced by touching the edges of your tongue against the
upper teeth at the sides of your mouth, and the tip of your
tongue touching the lower teeth at the front of your mouth.
The sound is then made quite high up in the mouth by
passing air over the tongue. It is similar to the frst part of
the English word huge, but stronger and more projected.
ch 2 (x) ch can also be pronounced in the throat as in the word
Nacht (night). It is made by air friction quite low in the
throat and is the same sound as that in the Scottish word
loch.
chs (ks) If ch is followed by an s, then it is pronounced as a k
as in the word wachsen (to grow).
-ig () When words end in -ig, this is pronounced ich as in the
word for king Knig.
-iglich If the -ig is followed by -lich the g becomes a k as in the
word kniglich (royally).
ng () This is always pronounced with a soft g as in the English
word sing, and not with a hard g as in fnger.
nk is pronounced as in English thank, or in German, Dank.
qu is pronounced kv as in the word for Quelle (source), not
kw as in the Italian word quella.
s If the letter s is followed by a vowel, then it is voiced like
an English z as in the word Sonne (sun).
st (t) is mostly pronounced sht as in the word Stille (silence).
sp (p) becomes shp as in Spiel (a game).
sch () is pronounced sh as in schn (beautiful).
z is pronounced ts as in Zimmer (a room).
v is generally pronounced f as in Vogel (bird).
w is pronounced as the English v, as in the word Welle
(a wave) or Wasser (water).
6 7
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
CD TRACK 7
Voiced consonants like b, d and g become de-voiced if at the end of a word
or before another consonant.
b becomes p in gab (gave),
d becomes t in und (and),
g becomes k in Schlag (strike).
r When singing, the letter r is rolled with the tongue, and
quite strongly in expressive words like Rache (revenge).
But it may also be just ficked as in a word like kurz (short).
When the letter r occurs at the end of a word, it is often
replaced by the neutral schwa sound as in the word der
(the), as described above schwa sound II.
CD TRACK 8
THE GLOTTAL STOP
When singing in German the glottal stop is important, as it helps to
achieve clarity. This means that words beginning with a vowel have to be
separated from the previous word with a re-articulation.
Example: Am Abend (in the evening).
In a glottal stop the vocal folds are closed for a moment and then opened
again with a gentle explosion. In singing this should be quite smooth and
should hardly interrupt the line.
INFLECTION
All German words have one stressed syllable, and this is often the frst
syllable. When singing in German, infection is the key to a beautiful line.
Unstressed syllables are projected less than in other languages, and this
results in a lilting line that moves from one stress to the next.
In the text of the ChoraLine pronunciation guide, we have underlined
stressed syllables and we have also underlined the important words in a
phrase. This is because German is a very onomatopoeic language, and the
stressed syllables or words often carry the expression. This is especially
true in singing.
CD TRACK 9
2
List of Sounds and Symbols
for Reference and Practice
VOWELS
SPELLING IPA SYMBOL EXAMPLE ENGL. COMPARISON
a a, a: Vater (father) -
, open e Bett (bed)
Trne (teardrop)
bed, better
closed e e: Leben (life) eh?
open i I Bitte (please) it
closed i i: Liebe (love) see
open o Gott (God) cough
closed o o: Rose (rose) -
open u U Mutter (mother) book
closed u u: Ruhe (rest) two
open Gttin (Goddess) -
closed : schn (beautiful) -
open Y Glck (happiness) -
closed y: s (sweet) -
Remember: a colon after a symbol means the vowel is pronounced long.
CD TRACK 10
Schwa sounds I and II:
e Geduld (patience)
Leben (life)
the
r, -er mehr (more)
Mutter (mother)
better
CD TRACK 11
DIPHTHONGS
ai, ei a
e
Mai (May) try
au a
o
Traum (dream) house
eu, u

heute (today) boy

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GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
CD TRACK 12
IMPORTANT CONSONANTS
SPELLING IPA SYMBOL EXAMPLE ENGL. COMPARISON
ch ich (I) huge
ch x Nacht (night) (Scottish) loch
chs ks wachsen (to
grow)
axe
-ig g becomes Knig (king) -
-iglich g becomes k kniglich (kingly) -
h gehen (to go) -
j j ja (yes) -
l (always forward) Himmel (heaven) love (not: all)
CD TRACK 13
VOICED CONSONANTS AT END OF WORDS
d becomes t und (and) -
b becomes p gab (gave) -
g becomes k Schlag (strike/ hit) -
FURTHER CONSONANTS
ng Klang (sound) doing, (not: fnger)
nk k Dank (thanks) thank
qu kv not kw Quelle (source) -
CD TRACK 14
s z Sonne (sun)
ansehen (to look
at)
zip
st t Stille (silence) fsh-tank
sp p Spiel (game) fsh-pond
sch schn (beautiful) ship
CD TRACK 15
z ts Zimmer (room) nets
v f Vogel (bird) fun
w v Wasser (water) vase
r rolled strongly
ficked with tongue
replaced with schwa
Ruber (robber)
kurz (short)
der (the)
CD TRACK 16
GLOTTAL STOP (GENTLE RE-ARTICULATION):
Between words: am / Abend (in the evening)
Within a word: un/ausgeglichen (unbalanced)
INFLECTION (STRESSING UNDERLINED SYLLABLES):
und kommen mit Freuden (and come with joy)
Note about Word for Word Translations
The syntax (word order) of English sentences differs considerably from
German. For this reason most singing translations or other available
translations of poetic texts are not enough to identify the meaning of
individual words in a text.
Word-for-word translations work around this problem, and they save you
having to look up many individual words in the dictionary. Most of the
time the meaning of a phrase is still obvious although the word order is
unusual. If you cannot make sense of a line it is worth referring to a normal
translation as available on the Internet or in a CD booklet. You should be
able to piece together a coherent picture that way.
Knowing the exact meaning of individual words, which are often drawn out
and repeated in music, is important for singing with the right expression and
with confdence.
10 11
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
3
The Complete Text of the
Choral Work
JOHANNES BRAHMS EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM
MOVEMENT I CD TRACK 17
ze: zI t i: a: a
e
t t a:
Selig sind, die da Leid tragen,
Blessed are, who (ever) suffering bear
z i: z : v e:
denn sie sollen getrstet werden.
for they shall comforted be
i: I z
Die mit Trnen sen,
They (who) with tears sow,
ve: I

werden mit Freuden ernten.
shall with joy reap.
Zi: e: I U t V a
e
Sie gehen hin und weinen
They go forth and weep
U t a: e: Za:
und tragen edlen Samen,
and bear precious seed,
U t I

und kommen mit Freuden

and come with joy
U t I i: a:
und bringen ihre Garben.
and bring their sheaves.
MOVEMENT II CD TRACK 18
a
e
I v a:
Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras
For all fesh, it is like grass
U t a
e

und alle Herrlichkeit des Menschen
and all glory of man
vi: z s u:
wie des Grases Blumen.
like the grass(es) fowers
a: I f
Das Gras ist verdorret
the grass is withered
U t i: u: p
und die Blume abgefallen.
and the fower fallen off.
Zo: zaet u: U i: y:
So seid nun geduldig, liebe Brder,
So be now patient, dear brothers,
I a
o
i: tsu:
bis auf die Zukunft des Herrn.
unto (on) the future of (the) Lord.
Zi: a
e
k v
Siehe, ein Ackermann wartet
Behold, a husbandman waits
a
o
i: I Ux e: e:
auf die kstliche Frucht der Erde
for the decicious fruit (of) the earth
U t I U y:
und ist geduldig darber,
and is patient about it,
12 13
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
MOVEMENT II CD TRACK 18
I e: a: e: e:
bis er empfahe den Morgenregen
until he receives the morning rain
U t t e:
und Abendregen.
and evening rain.
zo: za
e
t U
So seid geduldig.
So be patient.
v a
e
I e:v I a
e
Aber des Herrn Wort bleibet in Ewigkeit.
But the Lords word remains in eternity.
i: :z ve: vi:
Die Erlseten des Herrn werden wieder kommen
The redeemed (of) the Lord shall again come
U t tsi: I a
o
xts
und gen Zion kommen mit Jauchzen.
and to Zion come with rejoicing.

e:vI

Freude, ewige Freude

Joy, eternal joy
v I t y: i: a
o
za
e
wird ber ihrem Haupte sein;
shall over their head(s) be.

U t V ve: zi: a
e
Freude und Wonne werden sie ergreifen,
Joy and bliss shall them possess.
U t ts U t z

ts vI t v k Y
und Schmerz und Seufzen wird weg mssen.
and pain and sighing will (go) away have to.
MOVEMENT III CD TRACK 19
e: x I
Herr, lehre doch mich,
Lord, teach but me,
s a
e
I i: a: Us
da ein Ende mit mir haben mu,
that an end with me have (it) must.
U t a
e
e: a
e
tsi:
und mein Leben ein Ziel hat,
and (that) my life an aim has,
U t I f Us
und ich davon mu.
and I away must (go).
zi: a
e
a: zI t a
e
t a
e
fo: i:
Siehe, meine Tage sind einer Handbreit vor dir,
Behold, my days are a hand-breadth before you,
U t a
e
e: I vi: I fo: i:
und mein Leben ist wie nichts vor dir.
and my life is like nothing before you.
x vi: a: I zI t
Ach, wie gar nichts sind alle Menschen,
Oh, like nothing are all people,
i: x zo: zI e:
die doch so sicher leben.
who but so safely live.
zi: e: e: vi: a
e
e:
Sie gehen daher wie ein Schemen,
They walk along like a shadow.
U t x i: fi: f e:p I U u:
und machen ihnen viel vergebliche Unruhe;
and make each other much vain disquiet;
14 15
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
MOVEMENT III CD TRACK 19
zi: z U t vI I ve: i: vI t
sie sammeln und wissen nicht wer es kriegen wird.
they gather and know not who it receive will.
u: v z I I :
Nun Herr, wess soll ich mich trsten?
Now Lord, (with) what shall I myself console?
I a
o
I
Ich hoffe auf dich.
I hope in thee.
e: ze: zI t I t
Der Gerechten Seelen sind in Gottes Hand
The just souls are in Gods hand
U t a
e
kv y: zi:
und keine Qual rhret sie an.
and no torment touches them.
MOVEMENT IV CD TRACK 20
i: i:p I zI t a
e
vo: U ts e: a/t
Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen, Herr Zebaoth!
How lovely are your dwellings, Lord (of) Sabaoth!
a
e
ze: f U t ze: zI
Meine Seele verlanget und sehnet sich
My soul desires and longs (itself)
x e: fo: :
nach den Vorhfen des Herrn;
for the courts of the Lord;
a
e
a
e
p U t ze:

zI
mein Leib und Seele freuen sich
my body and soul delight (themselves)
I e: e: I
in dem lebendigen Gott.
In the living God.
o e: i: I a
e
a
o
z vo:
Wohl denen, die in deinem Hause wohnen,
Blessing (to) them, who in your house dwell,
i: o: I I
Die loben dich immerdar.
they praise you forever.
16 17
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
MOVEMENT V CD TRACK 21
i: p u: ao I a
e
Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit;
You have now sadness;
I vI

vi: ze:
aber ich will euch wiedersehen
but I shall you again see.
U t

ts z zI

und euer Herz soll sich freuen

and your heart shall (itself) rejoice
U t

z i: t f

e:
und eure Freude soll niemand von euch nehmen.
and your joy shall nobody from you take.
ze: I
Sehet mich an:
Look at me (at).
I a: a
e
a
e
tsa
e
Ich habe eine kleine Zeit
I have (had) a small time
y: U t a
e
p
Mhe und Arbeit gehabt
Toil and labour (had).
U t a: o: o: U
und habe groen Trost funden.
and have great consolation found.
I vI

: vi: a
e
za
e
U :
Ich will euch trsten, wie Einen seine Mutter trstet.
I shall you comfort, as one (by) ones mother is comforted.
MOVEMENT VI CD TRACK 22
vi: a: i: a
e
a
e
t
Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt,
For we have here no lasting
z i: tsu: Y zu:x vi:
sondern die zuknftige suchen wir.
but the future (one) seek we.
zi: I za:

a
e
a
e
I
Siehe, ich sage euch ein Geheimnis:
Behold, I tell you a secret:
Vi: ve: I a:
Wir werden nicht alle entschlafen,
We will not all die,
Vi: ve: a: f v ve:
wir werden aber alle verwandelt werden;
we will but all changed be;
U t I ts I I a
e
a
o
I
und dasselbige pltzlich, in einem Augenblick,
and that suddenly, in a blinking of an eye,
tsu: e: tsa
e
e: tst o:za
o
zu der Zeit der letzten Posaune.
At the time (of) the last trombone.
s vI t i: o:za
o

Denn es wird die Posaune schallen,
For it will the trombone sound,
U t i: o: e: a
o
/ te: U f ve:s I
und die Toten werden auferstehen unverweslich;
and the dead will rise again imperishable;
U t vi: ve: f v ve:
und wir werden verwandelt werden.
And we will changed be.
18 19
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
MOVEMENT VI CD TRACK 22
I t Y ve:
Dann wird erfllet werden
Then will fulflled be
v i: te:
das Wort, das geschrieben steht:
the word, which written stands:
e: o:t I f U I e: zi:k
Der Tod ist verschlungen in den Sieg.
(The) death is entangled in the victory.
o:t vo: I a
e
t x
Tod, wo ist dein Stachel?
Death, where is your sting?
vo: I a
e
zi: k
Hlle, wo ist dein Sieg?
Hell, where is your victory?
u: I vY
Herr, du bist wrdig
Lord, you are worthy
tsu: e: a
e
s U t e: U t
zu nehmen Preis und Ehre und Kraft,
to receive praise and honour and power,
u: I
denn du hast alle Dinge geschaffen,
for you have all things created,
U t U a
e
v I a: zi: ve: z
und durch deinen Willen haben sie das Wesen
and through your will have they their being
U t zI t
und sind geschaffen.
and are created.
MOVEMENT VII CD TRACK 23
ze: I zI t i: to:
Selig sind die Toten
Blessed are the dead
i: I e: t
die in dem Herrn sterben,
who in the lord die.
f u:
von nun an.
From now on.
a: e: ae p I
Ja, der Geist spricht,
Yes, the Spirit speaks,
s zi: ru: f i: a
e
da sie ruhen von ihrer Arbeit;
that they rest from their labour;
i: i: a:x
denn ihre Werke folgen ihnen nach.
for their works follow them (after).
20 21
GERMAN PRONUNCIATION GUIDE | NORBERT MEYN
Johannes Brahms | Ein Deutsches Requiem
Note about IPA Phonetic Symbols:
The symbols in this booklet conform with the book
Deutsche Aussprache (Hochsprache-Bhnensprache-Alltagssprache)
VMA Wiesbaden 2000, ISBN 3-928127-66-7
Most dictionaries use similar symbols, but occasional variations are
to be expected. This does not diminish the immense usefulness of the
International Phonetic Alphabet. Once learned, these symbols can be
applied to any other language and are invaluable to the amateur or
professional singer.
Acknowledgements
This pronunciation guide has been devised by Norbert Meyn.
A professional singer, Norbert received training in his native Germany and
later at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He has many
years of experience as a soloist and choral singer, and teaches German
Lieder, opera and diction at both the Guildhall School and at the Royal
College of Music. He also enjoys working as a language coach for the BBC
Singers and Symphony Chorus, as well as EMI, Deutsche Grammophon,
Harmonia Mundi and Hyperion record labels. For comments or coaching
enquiries please write to norbertmeyn@mac.com.
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