Romantic Lieder

Romantic Lieder

What is it?

The name ‘Lieder’ derives from a German word ‘Lied’ meaning “song”, but the word is used to describe Romantic music songs also known as art songs. This style of music is specific to the Romantic era. They are composed to German poetry. It is for a single voice and piano, and it usually tells a story. In Lieder, the piano and vocal line have equal roles, so then piano also tells the story rather than only acting as an accompaniment.

Why was it popular?

• The close interaction between the literature and music of the time
• Open texture of singular voice and piano was more emotionally expressive than instrumental music, and more intimate than the showy (bravura) style of…