sprechgesang

Sprechgesang: The Spoken Word Takes the Stage

Sprechgesang, German for “spoken singing,” is a musical style that defies categorization. It’s a blend of speech, singing, and recitation, where the rhythm and intonation of speech are employed to create a musical effect. Think of it as a musical conversation, where lyrics are delivered with a spoken, conversational tone, sometimes incorporating melodic elements.

Early Roots:

Sprechgesang isn’t a new kid on the block. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century, finding its home in the avant-garde and experimental music scene. Artists like Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg experimented with vocal delivery, blurring the lines between speech and song.

The Rise of Sprechgesang:

The style gained traction in the 1920s and 30s, thanks to composers like Kurt Weill and Hanns Eisler, who incorporated it into their theatrical works, adding a gritty realism to their stories. Weill, in particular, found a way to make Sprechgesang accessible to the masses, using it in popular musicals like “The Threepenny Opera” and “The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.”

Beyond the Stage:

While Sprechgesang found its initial home in theatre, it soon spread its wings, influencing other genres.

• Jazz: Singers like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald used spoken-word elements in their performances, adding a sultry and improvisational touch to their jazz vocals.
• Rock: The style resonated with rebellious rock musicians like David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed, who used it to convey raw emotion and confrontational lyrics.
• Hip-Hop: The rhythmic delivery and spoken-word approach of hip-hop owe a debt to Sprechgesang’s influence, finding its voice in artists like Eminem and Run-DMC.

Funny Facts:

• The “Sprechgesang Whisperer”: The legendary German composer, Kurt Weill, was known for his ability to coax even the most reluctant singer into embracing Sprechgesang. Rumor has it he had a secret technique involving a combination of hushed whispers and a hypnotic stare.
• The Case of the Mistaken Identity: In the early days of Sprechgesang, some audiences mistook the style for a dramatic reading of a play, leading to confusion and, in some cases, walkouts. It seems not everyone appreciated the innovative, and sometimes jarring, nature of the style.
• Sprechgesang Goes Hollywood: The iconic scene in the film “Cabaret” where Liza Minnelli sings “Cabaret” in Sprechgesang is a testament to the style’s enduring appeal and theatrical power.

Sprechgesang’s Legacy:

Sprechgesang continues to influence contemporary music, reminding us that music is a constantly evolving art form, always open to new expressions and interpretations. Whether it’s a whispered confession, a spoken-word poem, or a raw rock anthem, Sprechgesang continues to break down barriers and challenge traditional definitions of music.