page_title: English art song
section_title: English Art song in the 19th Century
hierarchical_section_title: English art song / English Art song in the 19th Century
context_page_description: The composition of art song in England and English-speaking countries has a long history, beginning with lute song in the late 16th century and continuing today.
context_section_description: London was the largest city in Europe by 1800; many non-English composers traveled there, especially from Germany and Italy. English theater works ("ballad operas") continued to be popular into the 19th century. The harpsichord, fortepiano, harp, and guitar were all popular instruments at the time; all were used to accompany voices and as solo instruments; song composition began to flourish as home music making with these instrument increased. In the 19th century almost everyone sang, in choral societies, at church services, and at home (in the 'drawing room'). Popular songs, called ballads, became the standard for vocal music publishing later in the 19th century, creating a "low point" in British music composition. Famous singers performed these ballads in concerts, paid for by music publishers, so that the songs would gain popularity and sell copies. In contrast, serious British composers late in the 19th century look towards Germany for inspiration and support.
  Primary English Art song composers in the early 19th century
  William Shield (1748–1829), made famous the song "Auld Lang Syne"
  Sir Henry Bishop (1786–1855), composed the famous song "Home Sweet Home"
  Joseph Haydn (1732–1809), late in his life he found a new fame in London, esp. in symphony and oratorio; published 2 sets of English Canzonets in 1794 and 1795 written by Anne Hunter
  Primary English Art song composers in the mid- to late 19th century
  Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900), composed a few art songs, "The Lost Chord" was an extremely popular ballad in its day
  Charles Hubert Parry (1848–1918), his twelve sets of songs, settings of Shakespeare and other important English poets, called "English Lyrics" are an important contribution to the song genre; influenced by German Lieder
  Edward Elgar (1857–1934), known for his important orchestral and choral works, but he wrote a few songs as well; his 1899 song cycle Sea Pictures for voice and orchestra set a high standard for English song
  Frederick Delius (1862–1934)
  Other English Art song composers in the mid- to late 19th century
  Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924), Irish born, his many songs show a German influence
  Maude Valérie White (1855–1937), perhaps the first important female composer in England, she composed chiefly songs
  Dame Ethel Smyth (1858–1944), a few of her songs are published
  Liza Lehmann (1862–1918), was German born, but settled in England, she is best known for her cycle "In a Persian Garden" for four voices and piano
  Edward German (1862–1936), wrote operettas like Gilbert & Sullivan, a few of his songs are still in the repertoire from publication in anthologies
  Arthur Somervell (1863–1937), used some folksong elements in his compositions, he is best known for his "Maud" and "A Shropshire Lad" cycles
  Charles Wood (1866–1926), Irish-born composer and church musician, wrote many songs including a setting of Walt Whitman's "Ethiopia Saluting the Colours"
  Granville Bantock (1868–1946), published six volumes of "Songs of the East" on verses of Asian poets, mostly forgotten today
  Henry Walford Davies (1869–1941), most of his songs are rarely heard today
caption: Franz Joseph Haydn
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