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art song

American  

noun

  1. a song intended primarily to be sung in recital, typically set to a poem, and having subtly interdependent vocal and piano parts.


Etymology

Origin of art song

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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For a long time, “Ol’ Man River” became the go-to American art song for concert singers, but it also has a rich history of jazz and swing interpretations.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 25, 2026

Insightful settings of poems by Emily Dickinson and Archibald MacLeish gave her a footing in the world of the art song.

From New York Times Jan. 10, 2024

“It allows me to be theatrical and share my love of art, song, dance and comedy.”

From Seattle Times Jun. 2, 2023

Both excelled above all else in their songs, leaving behind a major contribution to the American art song literature that has yet to be fully discovered let alone appreciated.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 21, 2022

It is a far cry from the beginning of music as described by Spencer to the modern art song, but from that time to this the principle has remained the same.

From The Head Voice and Other Problems Practical Talks on Singing by Clippinger, D. A. (David Alva)

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