"Phrasing, in a limited sense, is simply musical punctuation. In its
broader sense it is almost synonymous with interpretation. For it has to
do not only with musical punctuation but with the grouping of tones and
words in such a way that the composition is rendered intelligible as a
whole, so as to express the ideas of the composer. This is where the
intellectual and musical qualities of the singer are brought into
requisition. She must grasp the content, whether it be song or aria, in
order to effect this grouping intelligently. _Accent, crescendo_ and
_diminuendo_ are the most important factors in phrasing. From the very
beginning the student should be careful how and where she takes breath
and gives accent; there must always be a reason, and thought will
generally make the reason clear.