Song

A song is a musical composition performed by the human voice. The voice carries a melody, which is a series of distinct and fixed pitches. These pitches move through patterns of sound and silence. Most songs follow a specific structure, such as the common ABA form. In this form, certain sections repeat or undergo variation later in the piece. When a song is performed without any instrumental accompaniment, it is called a cappella. The written words used in a song are known as lyrics. If a pre-existing poem is set to music within the classical tradition, it is called an art song.

Performers use various methods to deliver a song to an audience. A song can be a solo performance by one singer. It can also be a duet, a trio, or a larger ensemble. When many voices sing together in harmony, the music is considered a choral work. Some choral music takes the form of a part song. This is a secular piece arranged for several vocal parts. These are often sung by an SATB choir, which stands for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Other ensembles might consist only of all-male or all-female singers.

Songs are categorized into different genres based on how they are made and shared. Folk songs are often of anonymous origin and are transmitted orally. They are frequently a major part of a national or cultural identity. Many folk songs exist in the public domain. In contrast, popular songs are composed for the mass market. These are designed for professional singers to sell recordings or live shows. Popular music includes many styles, such as rock, blues, soul, and rapping. Some popular songs are known as torch songs, ballads, or novelty songs.

Art songs represent a highly specialized tradition. They are created for performance by trained classical artists. These singers must possess strong vocal technique and a deep understanding of diction and poetry. In German-speaking communities, these are called Kunstlied to distinguish them from Volkslied, or folk songs. The music is often composed separately from the lyrics written by a poet. The accompaniment, such as a piano, is an essential part of the composition. It can embellish, illustrate, or provide a contrast to the vocal melody.

The history of song is rooted in long-standing traditions. The documented tradition of romantic songs began with the troubadours and bards of Europe. This was later continued by Elizabethan lutenists. Some of the earliest art songs are found in the music of Henry Purcell. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a specific style called the lute song became popular in England and France. These were usually strophic, meaning the verses repeated the same music. They featured a solo voice accompanied by a lute or other string instruments.

Different musical settings change how a song is experienced. In jazz, a singer might perform with a small combo, such as a trio or quartet. They may also work with a big band. In jazz and blues, singers often learn songs by ear and may improvise melody lines. Classical singers, however, often learn to read music from sheet music written by composers. Some songs are characterized by a very fast tempo, known as a patter song. In a patter song, each syllable of text corresponds to one single note. This style is a staple of comic opera, especially in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Songs also connect to specific social activities and other media. Sporting songs are a type of folk song that celebrates activities like fox hunting or horse racing. A famous example is "D'ye ken John Peel," which was included in The National Song Book in 1906. Songs appear in many places, including theatre, opera, films, and television shows. Sometimes the term "song" is even used for instrumental music through a process called semantic widening. An example of this is the 19th-century "Songs Without Words" written for solo piano. This shows how the concept of a song can expand to include many different forms of expression.