Continued Original Pronunciation- Why Does it Matter?

So why does it matter so much that ORIGINAL PRONUNCIATION (OP) is different than RECEIVED PRONUNCIATION (RP)?

In my previous post on SOUND, I discussed that there were these two different styles. Here is Kevin Bacon with another sample of OP, this time from King Henry V. He gives an explanation of what makes the OP so basically different than the RP.

I will summarize some of his key points:

• RP is very airy, with a higher pitch in voice, and a properly regal pose.
• OP is very earthy, with lower voice register and a more crouched position.
• RP is given in a majestic way.
• OP is very much more down to the basics, one man talking to another.
• OP is much quick paced than RP, with liaisons (links between the words to create fluidity).
• OP involves movement and life.

I think it matters how different the two are because the very way in which he acts is changed by the way he speaks. The very intensity, the pull into the drama is heightened when he gets down and dirty with the text. This shows me that Shakespeare was meant to be experienced, that Shakespeare was meant to be understood from the point of view of the common man. This is for everyone, not just those of elevated rank and station. In his book The Sound of Shakespeare, Wes Folkerth states that "Hearing is represented in early British culture as an opening up of the self, as a kind of surrender or submission, an openness" (68). This language, these plays were made to be heard and seen, and in response to being an object for interaction, a script became an experience for those who would open up and listen. There is a universal beauty in Shakespeare that can be found for all people. (For an example of this, Germans loved Shakespeare so much that they took and adopted him as part of their culture. See David's blog for more information.) Shakespeare for the people, in a language for them to connect with. That's why it matters so much to me.

Wouldn't it be fascinating to watch something like when Katharina and Petruchio meet in that scene from The Taming of the Shrew? The quick nature of the OP would build the tempo which is so necessary for the language of that scene to work. I know that since there are a few production companies that do performances in this style, I will look for a scene or two to use in my upcoming branch of research involving different productions of the same play. That will give me some more interesting fodder for thought. I hope you enjoyed it!