THE NORTH-AMERICAN SINGER AND BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE LYRIC DICTION ISSUES IN THE SONGS OF HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS

Abstract

The North-American singer faces particular diction challenges with the relatively unfamiliar Brazilian Portuguese used in the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos. There is a generalized tendency to approach Brazilian Portuguese diction using as reference the idiomatic “feel” and sounds of Spanish. This method can be helpful, but lacks breadth, subtlety, and accuracy. In Spanish there is a remarkable correspondence between spelling and pronunciation. Written Portuguese does not communicate the sounds of the language with that same precision, especially Brazilian Portuguese, which has been influenced by European languages, African dialects, and the languages of native tribes. This article addresses the diction of the most challenging phonemes for non-Brazilian singers, dispensing particular attention to the questions of Brazilian nasal vowels, diphthongs, and problematic consonant pronunciation. These diction issues are exemplified using Villa-Lobos’ Canção do Amor and Melodia Sentimental, two songs which are part of the original score of the movie Green Mansions.
Keywords: Brazilian Portuguese Diction; Villa-lobos songs.