The Latin American Art Song, also known by the name of its German cousin, "Lieder" is a music characterized by its beauty, poetry, and extraordinary subtlety and sensitivity.

The Latin American Art Song repertory was written from the end of the 19^th century to the early part of the 20^th.  The origins of the style are in 19th century Germany where Lieder (lit. song) for piano and voice were being written by well-known composers such as Schubert, Schumann and Wolf.

The “Lieder” style was a lyrical one that stresses a link between music and poetry and it soon spread worldwide.

Latin American composers quickly began following the Lieder model, though in a unique socio-cultural context that was being shaped by nationalist social trends and a period of fertile musical renaissance in the Americas. 

Beginning at the end of the 19^th century, composers sought and found a unique sound by setting poems by “their” poets to music.  In so doing, they opened the door to extraordinary musical possibilities.

Composers experimenting with the Lieder style were influenced by the European model but the results clearly had a Latin American language and flavor.  The style spread throughout the Americas, with new and exciting interpretations at every stop.

If you are interested in to have more information about the Latin American Art Song we invite you to read two articles written by Patricia Caicedo, one publish in Amadeus and the other that was read at the ILAASA. Conference 2004 or you can write Patricia who will be happy to help you in your search.