Lieder, often seen as a German tradition, became a significant part of 19th-century American music, captivating diverse audiences by the 1890s. Heather Platt explores the influential figures, including singers like Max Heinrich and advocates such as John Sullivan Dwight, who popularized these art songs in English. She highlights the role of women's clubs and analyzes the critical reception of lieder, while also connecting American recital trends to European influences. The book contextualizes this phenomenon within the broader cultural shifts of the era, including the rise of the sheet music industry and changing sentiments towards Germany.
