An "Art Song" is a vocal music composition that is typically written for a solo singer and piano. It is characterized by its focus on expressing emotions and conveying the meaning of the lyrics, often drawn from poetry. Art songs are usually composed in a classical style and are performed in concert settings. The genre gained prominence during the Romantic period, with notable composers like Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann contributing significantly to its development. Art songs often explore themes of love, nature, and human experience, making them a rich and expressive form of musical storytelling.