What is sprechgesang?

Sprechgesang concerns the music method in which the singer crosses between recitation and singing in the implementation of a musical work. It is usually compared to singing, because both are very similar in reciting the text, still using musical elements such as rhythm and playground. This technique is unusually used in operas. Sprechgesang can be performed as a solo performance, duet or even a choral group. The word itself is translated as a "spoken song". The method is often confused or confused with a different technique called "Skechtimme" or "spoken voice", although the other is declamation than singing. This is because the musical elements, especially the tone of the lyrics, are not very important in Srychtimme, unlike Sprechgesang.

Many historical accounts attribute the beginnings of Sprechgesang Richard Wagner, a 19th century musician, who became one of the most influential and pioneering musicians in the world. One of the wagNerveal goals were to combine the styles of recitative and arias or speeches and melodies, probably to enrich his "musical dramas" and further develop moods in narration. However, the “speech singing” method happened in the 20th century when the German composer Arnold Schoenberg used the technique in his melodrama "Pierrot Lunaire", given that his chief artist, Albertine Zehme, was more of an actress than a singer. It is also interesting to note that the technique of "spoken songs" coincided with the rise of the German "hip-hop", which often involves rapping in songs.

One of the important reasons why Sprechgesang is often used in melodrama and comedy operas is evoke and emphasize certain emotions, primary factors in expressionist art. The singing is generally very controlled and must be pleasant for the ear, but the act does not necessarily allow and convey extreme emotions. However, the “spoken song” method allows the artist to return to speech to express extreme happiness, fear or grief. For exampleLad artist can use high tones with quick speaking to mediate happiness, but to create low and lilting moans to express immense sorrow.

sprechgesang as a singing technique can be very difficult to achieve, rather because there is no definitive explanation of how it should be properly done. The method allows the artist to use elements of common speech, but the end result should not be as such. No specific playgrounds are used, but the performance should still contain a "musical" touch and is often required to maintain a certain rhythm.