Operas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are performed in a host of different languages, from Czech and Italian to German, Russian, Welsh and more. Today, on International Mother Language Day, we speak to soprano and Welsh National Opera Chorus member Angharad Morgan, who tells us how she and her colleagues prepare and perfect their languages.
Many might assume that opera singers are fluent in the languages they sing, but as Angharad points out, this isn’t always the case. ‘No way. I wish I was fluent; it would make memorising and learning so much easier. I have very basic French so I'm okay if I go to France; I think I could follow a conversation well enough there. While you’re singing in different languages you do learn the meanings of words and phrases though, so although I might not be able to hold a conversation, I think I might be able to pick up certain words.’
Language coaches regularly work with our singers during the rehearsal process to perfect pronunciation. As Angharad explains, ‘The coach will come to our sessions and correct any mispronunciation as a group. When we are performing roles or covers (as opposed to singing in the Chorus), we sometimes have one-to-one sessions where we can sing through things, adapting and correcting our pronunciation as we go. Then, once we are into the production element of the rehearsals (where we combine the singing with movement and costume), that coach will also give us notes if there is anything they feel is incorrect. It’s great to have someone on hand so that you can change anything that needs to be done immediately. That way, you don't learn any bad habits.’
But some languages are more difficult than others for English and Welsh speakers. Generally, the more different the language is to your first language, the more difficult it is for non-native speakers to pronounce. For Angharad, Russian is the most difficult language she has had to sing in.
Despite all these difficulties, there are huge benefits to singing in languages other than English. ‘The benefits of singing an opera in its original language is huge. The composer will write things in certain ways to fit the language and the music will be coloured in certain ways to match. That way, as performers, we have an insight into what the composer wants from us.’
During our Spring 2023 Season, you will hear some Welsh in our brand-new opera, Blaze of Glory!Set in a 1950s Welsh Valleys’ community, most of the opera will be sung in English, however fragments of the language of the Land of Song will make an appearance. Experience this heart-warming tale in Cardiff, Llandudno, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Birmingham and Southampton between 23 February – 20 May.