English Language Level and Song Performance: Perceptions of Choristers from Estudio Choralia, Costa Rica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/es.v85i3.11673Keywords:
English repertoire, choral singing, foreign language, interpretation, pronunciationAbstract
Introduction: Singing in English is essential in choral practice, regardless of language level. Objective: The study evaluates the perception of choristers, in Estudio Choralia from Costa Rica, on the relationship between their English level and their interpretation of songs, identifying the main techniques used to overcome difficulties. Methods: Choristers completed a questionnaire about their English level, the impact of cultural background on interpretation, the difficulties that each area represents for them, and the actions carried out for improvement. Results: Participants showed a high level of English and knowledge of anglophone cultures. However, participants considered all areas of interpretation to be affected by culture and pointed out “pronunciation”, “emotional expression”, and “word stress” as the areas of highest difficulty. Conclusions: The results of the questionnaire coincide with the experts’ opinion who emphasized the impact of cultural origin on the pronunciation and placement of word stress, as well as the difficulties that these areas represent within choral direction.
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