Operatic Italian

Readers comment on ‘Operatic Italian’

The following review of “Operatic Italian” by Robert Stuart Thomson appeared in the Nats Journal of Singing (Sept./Oct. 2009) Review by Debra Greschner

"Anyone who has ever tried to translate operatic Italian can attest to a world of difference between standard modern usage and the language found in libretti. Robert Stuart Thomson, who has both a terminal degree in Romance Languages and a passion for opera, has written an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to understand this theatrical tongue. Thomson strives to clarify the grammatical structure of opera libretti to make an often confusing, convoluted, and outdated usage of the language conprehensible.

The author begins with a description of the sounds of Italian, complete with a chart of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols and guidelines for pronunciation. Italian opera libretti employ language that is atypical of the vernacular: specifically the use of obsolete and truncated words, unnatural syntax, concision, and the addition and deletion of words to fit the musical line. Thomson’s approach is based upon the premise that learning to recognize the parts of speech is a short cut to learning the structure of the language. Accordingly, the salient aspects of grammar are presented in a systematic manner, beginning with a discussion of nouns, and wending through prepositions, ad- jectives, adverbs, pronouns, and verbs. Verbs are the most important part of speech, and Thomson devotes six chapters to different tenses. He maintains that traditional grammatical labels are off- putting and inaccurate, and he adopts his own terms—such as “compound past” in lieu of “present perfect” –for clarity.

In some sections, Operatic Italian contains two tracks. The first one is for the reader who is seeking an overview of language usage in libretti; the second is for those who wish to delve more deeply into operatic Italian. The book includes numerous musical examples, as well as translations and transcriptions into the IPA, complete with indication of stressed syllables. Fourteen quizzes are interspersed throughout the book, and an answer key allows students to monitor their progress. None of the chapters is long, and Thomson writes in a style that is conversational and engaging.

Thomson wrote an earlier book, Italian for the Opera (Vancouver, Godwin Books, 1992) dealing with the same topic. Operatic Italian, however, is nearly three times as long, and encompasses topics and resources that were not included in the previous volume. For instance, the bibliography is greatly expanded, both in the number of titles of books, recordings, and videos, and in the inclusion of Internet resources. Operatic Italian also contains a discussion of the operatic aspects of canzoni (such as Scarlatti’s ‘Sento nel core’) and the influence of Dante on poetry and the language of libretti. Throughout the text, Thomson offers much more than translations and transliterations. He probes the literary roots of operatic plots, and weaves a backdrop for the language with the threads of social mores, psychological insights, and character study.

The essential component of a successful teacher is a deep knowledge of a subject. A great pedagogue, however, is one who combines this expertise with a love for the material so palpable that it inspires students. Thomson is such a teacher. Aficionados of Italian opera, as especially singers and their teachers, should own this book. Operatic Italian has a rightful place next to the Italian dictionary and handbook of Italian diction on the shelf of every serious student of opera. - Debra Greschner

“I would like to point out to the “Opera-L List” (an Internet chat-line for opera enthusiasts) the existence of a “must-have” book for every opera aficionado, whether they already know Italian or not. The author of this marvelous book–which is both a serious language study and an extremely funny work–has a Ph.D. in Romance languages from Yale University. All in all the book is highly useful and a very entertaining read. I heartily recommend it.” - Alain Letort

“I wish I had had something like this book when I was starting my operatic career. It would have been extremely helpful and indeed, still is!” - Barbara Livingstone, soprano, Victoria, B.C.

“Your book is very interesting and complements the Cambridge Italian Dictionary and Signora Colorni’s book.” - Tom Wilkinson, tenor, Opera Lyra, Ottawa

“In all honesty, I had not expected such a well thought-out, concise but pithy, as well as informed and informative little book. My sincere compliments!”- Jim Legnani, New York City

“Your book is on a shelf (and often gets pulled from that shelf) next to an Italian/English dictionary and 501 Italian Verbs. My ear for languages is dreadful but your book has been very useful in helping me to understand and enjoy the lyric stage much more than I had before. As you probably know, you have several other fans on OPERA-L” - Ed Waffle, Michigan

“This book is your tool to understanding the Italian opera libretto.”- San Francisco Opera Boutique catalog

“Your book is laid out in such a logical way, giving the basic clues to the language, enabling the student to go forward on his or her own. I particularly like how you laid out the verbs, arranging the tenses in a little spreadsheet. This is precisely how my mind works. Your book is also a lot of fun to read.” - Anita Witt, Toledo, Ohio

“This is an excellent book! I wish I’d had it when I taught Operatic Italian at the Yale Music School years ago. Every student of Italian opera singing, every conservatory and university music department ought to have this book.”- Steve Tanner, Vermont

“Thomson has produced a real gem. His presentation of Italian grammar is well-organized, intelligent, and useful. He has also provided a first-class introduction to the Opera. What a great teacher! Somebody should give the guy a prize.”- A college music teacher

“Interesting. Illuminating. An excellent source for both the professional singer and the opera lover.”- French Tickner, professor emeritus, Opera Studies, U. of British Columbia

“A marvellously useful book! I wish I’d had this guide when the opera bug first bit me years ago...”- Walter Lippincott Jr., Director, Princeton U. Press

“I don’t speak Italian and I know nothing about opera but Thomson is changing all that. What a great teacher!”- An engineer in New York City.

“Thomson has produced a real gem. His presentation of Italian grammar is well organized, intelligent and useful. He has also provided a first class introduction to opera. Somebody should give the guy a prize.”- Guy Robertson, B.C. Books

“Singers and teachers of singing (...) cannot afford to be without this excellent text. Much is contained in these relatively few pages, and much is of such importance that the reader will return to it again and again.”- Richard Sjoerdsma, Editor of The NATS Journal

“I would like to tell 1300 List members (OPERA-L@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU) of the existence of a ‘must-have’ book for every opera aficionado, whether they know Italian or not. The author of this marvelous book--which is both a serious language study and an extremely amusing work--has a Ph. D. in Romance languages from Yale University. All in all the book is highly useful and a very entertaining read. I heartily recommend it.”- Alain Letort, Rio de Janeiro

“Your book is laid out in such a logical way, giving the basic clues to the language, enabling the student to go forward on his/her own. I particularly like the way you laid out the verbs, arranging the tenses in a little spreadsheet. This is precisely how my mind works. (...)”- Mrs. A. Witt, Toledo

“In all honesty, I had not expected such a well thought-out, concise but pithy, as well as informed and informative little book. My sincere compliments!”- Mr. Jim Legnani, opera connoisseur, New York City

“Interesting. Illuminating. An excellent source for both the professional singer and the opera lover.”- Prof. French Tickner, Opera Studies, U. of Brit. Columbia

“This book is your tool to understanding the Italian opera libretto.”- San Francisco Opera Boutique catalog