Latin Pronunciation: Initial 'H' in Latin Singing

by Connie
(Missouri)

Most of our choir are unused to singing in Latin, but some of our Christmas music includes Latin words and phrases. There is confusion over the pronunciation of the word "hodie." Is the h voiced or not? _H_odie or _O_die? (We're in agreement on pronunciation of the vowels!) Thanks!

Dear Connie,

In Ecclesiastical Latin the H is silent, and I think most Choirs would not pronounce it. However, it is not wrong to pronounce the H. Just classical.

How does your choir sing Hosanna?

An Italian choir would never pronounce the h, a German choir might. Just stay consistent!

Hope this helps, and thanks for asking a Latin teacher.

Sincerely,

John