Man hör ju inte vad de sjunger - att arbeta med text vid instudering och interpretation

Abstract

Why do we sing together and howcome the weekly rehearsal with the chorus is of such importance to singers? In every culture all over the world there is music, and music is a worldwide language that makes it possible to communicate even if we don’t speak the actual language. But what is the difference with instrumental and vocal music? Of course, in vocal music we have the text. The combination between text and music, even in a foreign language can make us deeply moved and give us a glance of the inner depths of another human being. But why, then, do we so seldom actually hear the text when it’s sung, both by the local church choir or the famous professional chorus? Are there any tools that a conductor needs to know of or is it just a matter of where the conductor and the singers place the text in their agenda while studying a piece? Could it make a significant difference for both conductor, chorists and audience if the text are well prepared, well interpreted and understood by the persons who are to perform it?