What Is An Art Song?

Introduction

An art song is a vocal music composition, usually written for one voice with piano accompaniment, and usually in the form of a setting of a poetical text. Art songs are distinct from other vocal compositions, such as oratorios, cantatas, motets, and operas, because they are usually intended to be performed by amateur singers in domestic settings, rather than by professional singers in large public spaces. The typical art song is about three to five minutes in length and contains a number of musical features that are designed to showcase the singer's vocal abilities.

The History Of Art Songs

The first art songs were composed in the early 19th century by German Romantic composers such as Carl Maria von Weber, Franz Schubert, and Robert Schumann. These composers were inspired by the folk songs of their native countries and sought to create new vocal music that would be accessible to a wider audience. The art song became increasingly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with composers such as Claude Debussy, Gabriel Fauré, and Sergei Rachmaninoff writing some of the most well-known art songs.

The Structure Of An Art Song

An art song typically consists of three main sections: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. The strophe is the first section of the song and usually contains the opening lines of the poem. The antistrophe is the second section and usually contains a repetition or rephrasing of the opening lines of the strophe. The epode is the third and final section of the song and typically contains the singer's reflection on the poem's subject matter.

The Poetry Of An Art Song

Art songs are typically based on poems written in a specific poetic form known as the Lied. Lieder are usually short poems that focus on a specific subject matter, such as love, nature, or death. Many of the most well-known art songs, such as Schubert's "Die Forelle" and Schumann's "Mondnacht," are based on Lieder.

The Music Of An Art Song

Art songs are typically written for solo voice with piano accompaniment. The piano accompaniment is often highly detailed and serves to support the singer's performance of the melody. The melody of an art song is usually quite simple and is designed to showcase the singer's vocal abilities. Art songs often make use of specific vocal techniques, such as legato and staccato, to create a desired effect.

The Performance Of An Art Song

Art songs are typically performed by amateur singers in domestic settings, such as in a living room or at a party. The singer usually performs the song with piano accompaniment, although some art songs can be performed with guitar or other accompaniment. Art songs are usually performed without any theatrical elements, such as costumes or props.

Conclusion

Art songs are a type of vocal music composition that is typically written for one voice with piano accompaniment. Art songs are distinct from other vocal compositions, such as oratorios, cantatas, motets, and operas, because they are usually intended to be performed by amateur singers in domestic settings, rather than by professional singers in large public spaces. The typical art song is about three to five minutes in length and contains a number of musical features that are designed to showcase the singer's vocal abilities.