Art Song

Art song originated in the late 19th century, primarily in Germany and France, as a rather posh way for composers to set poetry to music, proving that reciting sonnets could be quite a melodious affair. Characterised by their lyrical beauty and often dramatic flair, these songs feature a lone singer with piano accompaniment, as if to say, 'I've got feelings to express, but let's keep it intimate, shall we?' With famous composers turning their hand to the genre, art songs have charmed audiences and made conservatory students weep into their sheets for generations.