Accurate Pronunciation of Operatic Passages in Lingua Franca


Date Submitted:	08-Mar-2006
From:	Lawrence A. Rosenwald
Subject:	Accurate Pronunciation of Operatic Passages in Lingua Franca
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Notice:	Dear Colleagues, I'm working on a production of André Campra's 1697 opera L'Europe Galante. The penultimate scene is set in Turkey (in a harem), and at one point a chorus of 'Bostangis ou Jardiniers du Grand Seigneur' sings some passages of 'paroles franques,' i.e., words in lingua franca, of which the opera libretto offers a rhyming translation. Does anyone have any ideas about how these words should be pronounced? I myself am thinking they should mostly be pronounced as if Italian, but I'd be happy to be instructed otherwise. Here are some sample passages: Vivir gran Sultana Unir li cantara Mille volte exclamara Bello como star un flor, Durar quanto far arbor. A l'enemigos su sciabola, Como à frutas Tempesta. La ruciada matutina Far florir su Jardina, Favor celesta Coprir su Turbanata Star contento, Star, potento, Del mondo star l'amor, ô lo spavento En regnar, en amar, far tributir l'Occidento L'Oriento, En regnar, en amar, sempre sentir plaer sensa tormento, Dirè far, O disfar Subito Sù lò momento. My thanks for any help anyone can provide - advice, books or articles to consult etc. - all the best, Larry Rosenwald Professor of English, Co-Director of Peace and Justice Studies Wellesley College