‖ Sprechstimme Mus.
(ˈʃprɛ{cced}ʃˌtɪmə)
Also sprechstimme.
[Ger. (Grimm, 1871), lit. ‘speech voice’.]
A term used by Schoenberg to describe the voice of a performer singing according to the principles of Sprechgesang; also loosely, = prec.
| 1922 Music & Lett. III. 83 Pierrot Lunaire..represents the zenith of Schönberg's powers... In a foreword the composer explains that the voice part is to be what he calls a ‘Sprechstimme’, neither song nor speech, but something in between. 1938 [see Sprechgesang]. 1954 Grove's Dict. Mus. (ed. 5) VIII. 26/2 Sprechstimme.., a human voice written for by a composer who requires from the performer a delivery according to the principles of Sprechgesang. 1961 Listener 17 Aug. 257/3 The Gurrelieder provided Schönberg with the first occasion to make use of a speaking part that anticipates the Sprechstimme of Pierrot Lunaire in being in strict rhythms and with a fixed pitch. 1968 Ibid. 31 Oct. 591/2 Berg's strict distinction between Schoenbergian sprechstimme and half-sung phrases frequently receives cavalier treatment. 1982 Times Lit. Suppl. 25 June 693/2 His words are shared out among the whole company, cowled and carrying candles, like a coven going in for sprechstimme. |