sprechstimme

1 9.9

A way of using your voice that is between speaking and singing

noun
/ʃprɛkˈʃtɪmə/

Specialized

: sprechstimme

I use an "x" head for spoken notes (Sprechstimme), an inflection-direction indicator "" or "/", and grace notes for details.

Examples

Schoenberg composed the solo part in a sprechstimme style, blending spoken and sung elements.
Have them practice "intoning" the text in the style of Sprechstimme ("speaking-voice"), approximating the pitches of the melodic line.

Academic text (1993)
In her performance, she utilized sprechstimme to create an emotional impact between singing and speaking.
To capture the essence of the character, the actor employed sprechstimme during dramatic scenes.

Synonyms

sprechgesang

vssprechstimme

Specialized

9.9

A style of voice between speaking and singing, often used in opera or modern music

is broader and used in nonmusical as well as musical performance contexts

How Melodic

singing

1 4.1

sprechgesang

Specialized

9.9

sprechstimme

Specialized

1 9.9

speech

34 1.0

Surface Forms

sprechstimme singular

sprechstimmen plural

Etymology

Sprechstimme comes from the German parts sprech ('speak') and stimme ('voice'), so it literally means a 'speech-voice'. It names a singing style that sits between speaking and singing, which is why it sounds like someone both talking and using musical pitch.