What is Art Music Called?

Art music is music created for a specific reason, usually for a visual effect, such as a painting, sculpture, or a play. It is often performed as part of a musical performance and can be classified as either secular or sacred. The term “art song” is also used to describe a song that is performed in a recital. The song is often performed by a single vocalist.
Formalists

Formalists in art music have their own unique history, and the term is sometimes applied to artists or groups who are against conventional music. In art, Formalism has been associated with political and ethical quietism. It asserts that an artist’s work should not be contextualized, and that art should not be an agent of social change. In North America, it has been associated with the political right, which preaches the acceptance of the status quo and is opposed to the use of art as a tool for social change.
Romanticists

The Romantic movement in art music began in Europe in the second half of the 18th century, as a reaction against the industrial revolution. It also served as a rebellion against the scientific rationalization of nature. Its strongest expression was in music, literature, and visual arts. However, its influence also extended to historiography, education, and natural history.
Tonalists

The Tonalists in art music were the artists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who were primarily concerned with creating works that emulated musicality and inspired contemplation. They believed that landscapes could evoke emotion and suggest cosmic harmonies, and they influenced poets and musicians. Their art used cool, muted palettes and typically chose scenes that were nocturnal. Their work contributed to 20th-century American modernism.
Sacred music

Sacred music is a type of art music that expresses a spiritual or religious experience. It is composed of melodic, rhythmic, and experimental elements. It has been performed in many different settings, from soaring cathedrals to forest-covered fields. While it originated from religious traditions, it has also been embraced by secular artists.
Songs

An art music song is a combination of literature and music. It is a unique combination of the two genres that evokes a specific emotional response in both the singer and pianist. The poet’s words are enhanced and elaborated by a composer, who considers all possible interpretations of the text and creates a duet between singer and accompanist. When performed properly, an art song paints a picture of what the poet intended to communicate through his or her work. These songs are performed in a concert or recital format and require coordinated partnership between the singer and pianist.
Songs influenced by Gregorian chant

Gregorian chant is a form of ancient liturgical music sung in a church, usually by monks. It is unique in that it is not a “liturgical mood music,” but rather has a specific purpose. These songs are meant to inspire deep contemplation, evoke human emotion, and tell stories. The Gregorian corpus contains thousands of chants. These songs have different moods and purposes, but they all have one common goal: to elevate the text.
Songs with great singers

Art songs, which have great singers and piano accompaniment, are not traditional folk songs. The term “art song” is generally reserved for songs with piano accompaniment, such as Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, Benjamin Britten’s Folksong arrangements, and Manuel de Falla’s Seven Spanish Folksongs. Art songs often include settings of sacred texts, such as the Bible. Some of the most famous examples are Johannes Brahms’ Vier ernste Gesange.