Introduction

Why this section? I can tell you, that I learned about Classical Music only by reading about it in my Standard Treasury record set, and had no mentors who knew about it.  I learned to mispronounce many of the Names and Terms. This was very embarrassing later in life when I did have experts around me. I grew up in the sticks (the farming area of the US), and my parents had no interest or knowledge of Classical Music. I didn't learn a lot about it in school.

One music teacher was Mr. Stamm, who spent the whole time talking about his role as the King in the nearby production of "The King and I". We of course took a field trip to attend a performance, that was required. Okay, he was absolutely excellent as the King, especially if you expected to see Yul Bryner play the part.

I did have a history teacher in 6th grade, Mr. Nail, who drilled into us the correct pronunciation of the major Cities of France. In fact, he was absolutely obsessive about it! Over and over, making us each respond back, again and again, whew! He had a large pull-down map of France (and only France!) He must have been fluent in French, because he never taught us the pronunciation of any of the German or Italian Cities, etc. Oh, Mr. Nail.

So, this section is to help you with pronunciation as you read, so you won't be embarrassed like I was.

The English historically have had the habit of changing both the spelling and pronunciation of European names of Europe's Cities and Countries. Everybody seems to accept this as fine, but I find it arrogant to do this.