Genre Studies Unit-IV Lyric

 Origin :

    Greek song was divided into two classes- melic or lyric song, which was sung by a single voice to the accompaniment of a lyre; and choric song, which was intended for collective singing to the accompaniment of instrumental music, supplemented, probably, by a dance.

The two characteristics implied in the above description:

a) it is an expression of a single emotion.

b) it is a musical composition.

The Music in the Lyric

    In ancient times music provided by the minstrel's harp or lyre formed an external accompaniment to a lyric. The subject- matter also was of little importance so long as the later ages discovered the rhythmic emotional effect. Elizabethans, in particular are past masters of the art of investing words with the highest musical quality. Their lyrics are unrivalled for their word- music or verbal melody.

The Subject- Matter of the Lyric

    The lyric gives expression to a single emotion or feeling. It appeals more to the heart than to the intellect, or, to be more precise it's appeal to the intellect is through the heart. The songs we sing are usually not very lengthy, so a lyrical poem is as a rule quite brief. When he chooses the lyric form the poet does not intend to make any long flight: he wishes to convey his impression swiftly, memorably, and musically.

    Edgar Allan Poe, the American poet who wrote several famous lyrics, declared that a long lyric was not possible. Thus the term Lyric is usually understood to cover the song, the ode, the sonnet, and such poems. The Lyric is a subjective poem, expresses emotions and is intensely personal.

The structure of the Lyric

The Lyric can be divided into three distinct parts, corresponding to the three moods when inspired by some emotion.

I) States the emotion.

ii) Consists of the thoughts suggested by the emotion.

iii) Marks the poet's return to his initial mood, the mood of reason.

Summed Up :

1) It is a short poem, dealing with a single emotion;

2) It is a musical poem, word- music being an important element in its effect;

3) It is a subjective poem, expressing the varying moods of the author;

4) It is a well - knit poem, possessing a definite structure.