Glossary

2.3 Lieder and Art Songs: Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms

6 min read•august 13, 2024

Lieder and art songs revolutionized vocal music in the late 19th century. These intimate compositions for voice and piano blended poetry with music, creating emotionally rich experiences. Composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms pushed the genre's boundaries, exploring new harmonic territories and expressive techniques.

The evolution of lieder reflected broader cultural shifts. As the middle class grew, so did the demand for music suitable for home performance. This genre became a perfect vehicle for the Romantic movement's emphasis on individual expression and emotion, shaping the landscape of vocal music for generations to come.

Lieder and Art Song Characteristics

Structure and Composition

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  • Lieder and art songs are vocal compositions set to pre-existing poetry, typically for solo voice and
  • The structure of lieder and art songs is often strophic, with the same music repeated for each verse of the poem, or , with new music for each verse to reflect the changing mood or narrative of the text
  • Late 19th-century lieder and art songs often feature a more complex and expressive piano accompaniment that goes beyond mere support for the voice, becoming an integral part of the composition's emotional and dramatic content
  • Composers of this period frequently employed chromaticism, modulation, and tonal ambiguity to enhance the emotional depth and psychological complexity of the poetry

Vocal Line and Text

  • The vocal line in late 19th-century lieder and art songs is often more declamatory and speech-like, reflecting the natural inflections and rhythms of the text
  • Composers sought to create a symbiotic relationship between the poetry and the music, with each element enhancing and illuminating the other
  • The vocal line's melody, phrasing, and rhythm are often shaped to reflect the natural inflections and cadences of the spoken language, enhancing the intelligibility and expressive power of the poetry
  • The choice of key, harmony, and modulation often reflects the emotional content of the poetry, with shifts in tonality mirroring changes in mood or perspective

Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms Contributions

Franz Schubert

  • is considered the father of the German lied, composing over 600 songs that set a new standard for the integration of poetry and music
  • Schubert's song cycles, such as "" and "," explored the psychological and emotional journey of a central character through a series of thematically linked songs
  • Schubert's lieder are known for their melodic simplicity and naturalness, often featuring memorable tunes that closely mirror the contours and rhythms of the text
  • Schubert's piano accompaniments, while expressive, tend to be more straightforward and subordinate to the vocal line compared to those of Schumann and Brahms

Robert Schumann

  • expanded the expressive range of the piano accompaniment in his lieder, using innovative harmonies and textures to create a more equal partnership between voice and piano
  • Schumann's song cycles, like "" and "," often explored the inner emotional world of the protagonist, reflecting his own psychological struggles
  • Schumann's lieder are characterized by their highly expressive and psychologically complex piano accompaniments, which often feature innovative harmonies, chromatic shifts, and intricate textures
  • Schumann's vocal lines are often more declamatory and speech-like than Schubert's, reflecting his interest in the expressive potential of the text

Johannes Brahms

  • brought a more classical sense of structure and form to his lieder, while still maintaining the genre's expressive depth and emotional intensity
  • Brahms's lieder often feature more complex and technically demanding piano accompaniments, reflecting his background as a virtuoso pianist
  • Brahms's "" (Four Serious Songs) exemplify his late style, with a more introspective and philosophical approach to the poetry
  • Brahms's lieder combine elements of Schubert's melodic gift and Schumann's expressive depth, while also incorporating a more classical sense of structure and form
  • Brahms's vocal lines often feature wider leaps and more challenging intervals than those of Schubert or Schumann, demanding greater technical facility from the singer

Poetry and Music in Lieder

Word Painting and Musical Devices

  • The piano accompaniment frequently employs musical devices such as word painting, using specific motifs or textures to illustrate or evoke the imagery of the text
  • Composers may use recurring musical themes or motifs throughout a song cycle to create a sense of unity and to underscore the overarching narrative or emotional arc of the work
  • The choice of key, harmony, and modulation often reflects the emotional content of the poetry, with shifts in tonality mirroring changes in mood or perspective

Integration of Poetry and Music

  • Composers of lieder and art songs sought to create a symbiotic relationship between the poetry and the music, with each element enhancing and illuminating the other
  • The vocal line's melody, phrasing, and rhythm are often shaped to reflect the natural inflections and cadences of the spoken language, enhancing the intelligibility and expressive power of the poetry
  • The structure of lieder and art songs is often influenced by the form and content of the poetry, with composers using strophic or through-composed settings to reflect the poem's narrative or emotional arc

Schubert vs Schumann vs Brahms

Melodic and Harmonic Characteristics

  • Schubert's lieder are known for their melodic simplicity and naturalness, often featuring memorable tunes that closely mirror the contours and rhythms of the text
  • Schumann's lieder are characterized by their highly expressive and psychologically complex piano accompaniments, which often feature innovative harmonies, chromatic shifts, and intricate textures
  • Brahms's lieder combine elements of Schubert's melodic gift and Schumann's expressive depth, while also incorporating a more classical sense of structure and form

Vocal and Piano Writing

  • Schubert's piano accompaniments, while expressive, tend to be more straightforward and subordinate to the vocal line compared to those of Schumann and Brahms
  • Schumann's vocal lines are often more declamatory and speech-like than Schubert's, reflecting his interest in the expressive potential of the text
  • Brahms's piano accompaniments are often more technically demanding than those of Schubert or Schumann, reflecting his own virtuosic piano skills
  • Brahms's vocal lines often feature wider leaps and more challenging intervals than those of Schubert or Schumann, demanding greater technical facility from the singer

Cultural Context of Lieder

Social and Musical Influences

  • The rise of the middle class and the increasing popularity of domestic music-making in the 19th century created a demand for lieder and art songs that could be performed in the home by amateur singers and pianists
  • The Romantic movement's emphasis on individual expression, emotion, and the power of poetry found its musical counterpart in the intimate and expressive genre of the lied
  • The growing influence of nationalism in the 19th century led to a renewed interest in folk poetry and vernacular languages, which composers often drew upon for their lieder and art songs

Dissemination and Reception

  • The establishment of music publishing houses and the expansion of the concert industry in the 19th century helped to disseminate lieder and art songs to a wider audience, both through sheet music sales and public performances by professional singers
  • The late 19th century saw a shift towards more introspective and psychologically complex poetry, which composers like Schumann and Brahms sought to reflect in their increasingly sophisticated and expressive musical settings
  • The popularity of lieder and art songs in the 19th century contributed to the development of a rich and enduring tradition of German vocal music, influencing later composers such as , Richard Strauss, and

Key Terms to Review (24)

19th-century romanticism: 19th-century romanticism was a cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, significantly impacting the arts, literature, and music. This movement marked a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment, celebrating personal expression and creativity. In music, it gave rise to Lieder and art songs, where composers sought to convey deep emotional experiences through poetry and melody, as seen in the works of notable figures like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms.
Dichterliebe: Dichterliebe, meaning 'A Poet's Love', is a song cycle composed by Robert Schumann in 1840, based on poems by Heinrich Heine. This collection is significant as it captures the emotional journey of love and longing, showcasing Schumann's deep connection to the Romantic spirit. It is a landmark in the development of Lieder, illustrating how music can express complex human feelings through intimate lyrics and piano accompaniment.
Die schöne müllerin: Die schöne Müllerin is a song cycle composed by Franz Schubert, set to poems by Wilhelm Müller, and first published in 1823. The cycle tells the story of a young miller who falls in love with a beautiful girl, highlighting themes of love, longing, and heartbreak, making it a significant work in the development of Lieder and art songs in the Romantic era.
Expressive singing: Expressive singing refers to the performance style that emphasizes emotional delivery, nuance, and personal interpretation in vocal music. This approach allows singers to convey deep feelings and connect with the audience through their interpretation of lyrics and melodies, enhancing the overall experience of the piece. Expressive singing is especially significant in the context of Lieder and art songs, where the singer's emotional engagement is crucial to bringing the poetry to life.
Franz Schubert: Franz Schubert was an influential Austrian composer born in 1797, known primarily for his contributions to the Lieder genre and his symphonic works. His music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and rich harmonic language, which played a significant role in the development of Romantic music, particularly in the art song tradition alongside contemporaries like Schumann and Brahms.
Frauenliebe und -leben: Frauenliebe und -leben, which translates to 'Women's Love and Life,' is a song cycle composed by Robert Schumann that reflects the emotional journey of a woman's love for her partner. This work is deeply rooted in the Romantic ideals of personal expression, exploring themes of devotion, longing, and the complexities of love from a female perspective. It connects to Lieder and Art Songs by showcasing how composers like Schumann articulated intimate and personal narratives through music, highlighting the significance of gender roles during the 19th century.
Gustav Mahler: Gustav Mahler was an Austrian composer and conductor, renowned for his symphonies and song cycles, who lived from 1860 to 1911. He is considered a key figure in the Late Romantic period, known for his innovative orchestration and emotional depth, which bridged the gap between Romanticism and the early modern era. Mahler's works often explore themes of life, death, and the human experience, making him an essential figure in the transition of music from the Romantic tradition to the 20th century.
Harmonic Progression: Harmonic progression refers to the sequence of chords or harmonic structures that create a sense of movement and direction in music. This concept is crucial in tonal music, where composers manipulate chord sequences to evoke emotions and support the lyrical narrative, especially in Lieder and art songs. Understanding harmonic progression helps listeners appreciate how composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms convey deeper meanings through their musical compositions.
Hugo Wolf: Hugo Wolf was an Austrian composer known for his significant contributions to the Lieder genre, particularly in the late 19th century. His work is characterized by its intense emotional expression and innovative harmonic language, which set him apart from his contemporaries. Wolf's Lieder are often celebrated for their deep connection to the texts, showcasing a unique blend of poetry and music, which is a hallmark of the Lieder tradition established by earlier composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms.
Johannes Brahms: Johannes Brahms was a German composer and pianist of the Romantic period, known for his mastery in various musical forms, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral works. He is often seen as a bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras, incorporating classical structures while expressing deep emotional content, particularly through his rich melodies and innovative harmonies.
Legato Phrasing: Legato phrasing refers to a style of playing or singing where the notes are connected smoothly and without any breaks, creating a flowing musical line. This technique enhances expressiveness and emotional depth in vocal and instrumental music, particularly in Lieder and art songs where the relationship between text and melody is crucial.
Love: Love, in the context of music, particularly refers to deep emotional connections expressed through melodies and lyrics. This theme is central to many compositions from the Romantic period, where composers used Lieder and art songs to convey personal feelings and experiences. The portrayal of love often intertwines with nature, longing, and human relationships, creating a rich tapestry of emotion that resonates with listeners.
Lyricism: Lyricism refers to the expressive quality of music and poetry that emphasizes emotion, melody, and personal feelings. In music, particularly in art songs and orchestral compositions, lyricism captures the essence of human experience, often translating text or themes into a melodic form that resonates deeply with listeners. This quality is especially prominent in the works of composers who sought to convey profound emotional states through their music, elevating simple themes into rich, evocative narratives.
Melodic contour: Melodic contour refers to the overall shape or trajectory of a melody as it moves through different pitches over time. This concept is essential in understanding how melodies are constructed, as it reflects the rise and fall of notes, creating a sense of direction and emotional expression within a piece. In the context of Lieder and art songs by composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms, melodic contour helps convey the text's emotions and nuances, enhancing the listener's experience.
Nature: In the context of music, 'nature' refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics that define a particular style or genre. This concept often encompasses the emotional and thematic elements found in compositions, as well as the connection between music and the natural world, which influences the expression and creativity of composers and performers. It can also indicate how music reflects human experiences and sentiments related to nature, thus shaping the structure and interpretation of works like Lieder and art songs.
Piano accompaniment: Piano accompaniment refers to the role of the piano in supporting and enhancing a melody, typically sung by a vocalist or played by another instrument. It provides harmonic structure, rhythm, and texture, creating a fuller sound that complements the main musical line. In the context of lieder and art songs, the piano not only accompanies but also reflects the emotional nuances of the text and music, often becoming an integral part of the storytelling.
Robert Schumann: Robert Schumann was a German composer and music critic of the Romantic era, known for his contributions to Lieder and art songs. His work often reflected his emotional struggles and deep interest in literary themes, making him a pivotal figure in the development of the art song genre alongside contemporaries like Schubert and Brahms.
Romanticism: Romanticism was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and the past. It marked a departure from the rationality of the Enlightenment, focusing instead on personal expression, intuition, and the exploration of human experiences and feelings. This movement profoundly influenced various art forms, including music, where it is reflected in emotional depth, innovation in structure, and the incorporation of diverse themes such as folklore and exotic elements.
Strophic Form: Strophic form is a musical structure in which all verses or stanzas of a song are sung to the same music. This form is particularly prevalent in art songs and lieder, allowing for repetition that can emphasize the text's emotional content. It creates a sense of familiarity and simplicity, making it easier for listeners to engage with the piece, which is important for composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms who wrote songs meant to convey deep emotions and storytelling.
Text painting: Text painting is a musical technique where the music reflects the literal meaning of the lyrics, enhancing the emotional impact and storytelling of the song. This technique is particularly significant in Lieder and art songs, where composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms used it to create vivid imagery and deeper connections between the music and text. Through clever manipulation of melody, harmony, and rhythm, text painting can evoke specific emotions and illustrate the narrative of the song.
Through-composed: Through-composed is a musical form where the composition is continuously developed without repeating sections or strophic verses. This structure allows for greater expression and storytelling, making it particularly effective in vocal music. Through-composed pieces often adapt their musical material to reflect the text's emotions, leading to a more nuanced and dynamic interpretation of the narrative.
Viennese Music Tradition: The Viennese music tradition refers to the rich cultural and musical heritage originating from Vienna, Austria, especially during the late 18th and 19th centuries. This tradition is characterized by its significant contributions to classical music, particularly in the genres of Lieder and art songs, exemplified by composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms who flourished within this vibrant musical environment. The influence of this tradition is evident in its emphasis on lyrical expression, emotional depth, and the integration of poetry with music.
Vier ernste gesänge: Vier ernste Gesänge, or 'Four Serious Songs,' is a set of four Lieder composed by Johannes Brahms, originally published in 1896. These songs are significant for their profound emotional depth and reflective nature, often drawing upon texts from the Bible, specifically from the Old Testament. Brahms' intent with this work was to convey themes of loss, mourning, and spiritual contemplation, making it a crucial piece in the development of late Romantic art song.
Winterreise: Winterreise, or 'Winter Journey,' is a song cycle composed by Franz Schubert in 1827, set to poems by Wilhelm Müller. This poignant cycle consists of 24 songs that depict the emotional journey of a solitary traveler through a winter landscape, exploring themes of love, loss, and despair. It represents a significant contribution to the Lieder genre, showcasing Schubert's ability to convey deep emotional narratives through music and text.
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