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Diction websites

IPA Source
The web's largest library of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions and literal translations of opera arias and art song texts.

The Diction Domain
Dedicated to providing information about language diction for singing, the Diction Domain contains a database of links to websites, books, and other resources. This site is primarily intended as a reference for singers and teachers of singing diction, but welcomes all visitors.
Art Song Central: Free Sheet Music for Singers and Voice Teachers (plus IPA)
An archive and directory of free, printable sheet music for singers and voice teachers, containing mainly standard classical and traditional repertoire. All songs are in the public domain. Art Song Central includes IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcriptions for all French, German, Italian and Latin songs contained in this archive.

Diction books

Below are a few classic diction guides.

Diction for Singers by Joan Wall; Robert Caldwell; Gavilanes; Allen
Call Number: MT883.D52 1990
Exploring Art Song Lyrics by Jonathan Retzlaff; Cheri Montgomery (As told to)
Publication Date: 2012

Each of the over 750 selections comprises the original poem, a concise English translation, and an IPA transcription, accounting for any unusual musical setting and idiomatic phrasings throughout. Enunciation and transcription charts are included for each language on a single, easy to read page, along with innovative and useful guidelines for transcribing Italian, German and French lyrics.
The singer's manual of English diction by Madeleine Marshall
Call Number: MT883.M37

Guides performers in singing clearly without the use of regional accents and incorrect pronunciations.
A Singer's Manual of Spanish Lyric Diction by Nico Castel
Call Number: MT883.C27 1994
Singing in French by Thomas Grubb
Call Number: MT883.G88

Publication Date: 1979
Singing in Latin, or, Pronunciation explor'd by Harold Copeman
Call Number: MT883.C664 1990

More diction guides can be found at call number MT883.

Translations

Translations of arias, songs, and sacred vocal music may be found in several resources. If you use a translation from any resource -- either for a paper or a performance -- remember to cite it!

Links to the some of the most popular and reliable websites are below.

IPA Source
The web's largest library of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions and literal translations of opera arias and art song texts.

LiederNet Archive (formerly the Lied and Art Song Texts Page)
An archive of texts used in classical art songs, choral works, and other types of classical vocal pieces. The collection currently indexes 135,350 vocal settings and includes over 25,000 volunteer translations to English, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages.
Aria Database
Besides providing basic information about various arias, the database includes translations and aria texts for those titles in the public domain. Though inactive since 2013, the database contains 389 aria translations.
Google Translate
Not idiomatic and often not accurate, but worth a try if you're desperate.

Translations may also be found in:

other books
- scan the Music Library's holdings between call number ML47 and call number ML54.8
- search the library catalogue (Omni) for texts, translations, songs or libretti from Leyerle Publications. These volumes include translations and set the standard for IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) for singers.
the liner notes to sound recordings (e.g., CD booklets, and LPs)
select, scholarly scores

Last Updated: Apr 30, 2025 11:39 AM
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Subjects: Music

Tags: diction, IPA, opera, oratorio, performance, song, voice