Singing in Czech

Reviews / Votes

Over the past decade or so, singing in Czech has become more and more accepted, and one might even say popular. A big part of this change was Timothy Cheek's 2001 publication of Singing in Czech, which not only provided an explanation of Czech lyric diction, but also gave IPA transcriptions and both word for word and idiomatic English translations of many Czech songs and arias. This book opened up the world of Czech art song to American singers in a wonderful way. It has been nearly fifteen years since the publication of that volume, and now Cheek has published a revised and somewhat expanded edition.... If, like me, you are excited by the inclusion of new repertoire, or if you do not already possess the 2001 edition, then Singing in Czech: A Guide to Czech Lyric Diction and Vocal Repertoire, Revised Edition, available in soft cover and ebook, is well worth the money. It is a vital reference for anyone who wishes to sing in Czech or who has students who wish to do so, and it would make an excellent text for a class on Czech diction and/or repertoire. * The Opera Journal * Here we are, nearly 15 years later, and Tim has done it again! I would not have thought it possible, but this maestro of all things Czech has actually improved and enhanced the new edition of his iconic book. These intervening years of teaching and coaching all over the world have taught the author where clarification and enhancement were needed, and he gladly supplies them here. He has added more songs, and he has chosen to spotlight worthwhile composers not known outside the Czech Republic. A big thank you to Tim, who has enabled us all to be comfortable in this beautiful language and repertoire. -- Martin Katz, international collaborative pianist and vocal coach As someone with a profound love for the Czech language, music and culture, I have been wanting to write you since becoming familiar with your work, to acknowledge what an extraordinary gift your book is to all three elements-what you have done to make the Czech language more approachable to Anglophone singers is amazing, and this is to express my deep and sincere admiration. -- Veronique Firkusny, translator, Czech diction coach