What is lied mean?

"Lied" is a German word that translates to "song" in English. Typically, it refers to a specific type of song that originated in the Classical and Romantic periods of music history, and is characterized by its poetic lyrics and a melodic and harmonious accompaniment.

In classical music, a lied typically features a solo voice (often accompanied by a piano) and tells a story or conveys a specific emotion through the music and poetry. These songs are often performed in German, although other languages may also be used.

Lieder compositions are often associated with well-known composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. The style influenced many other composers, including Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Alban Berg.

In modern times, the term "art song" is now more commonly used to describe this type of song, as it has been adopted by composers in other countries and no longer exclusively references German-language songs.