Das Gesellschaftslied als Typus und soziale Praxis

Abstract This paper questions whether the secular genre generally known as ›Volks- und Gesellschaftslied‹ and which is currently called ›Liederbuchlied‹ or ›populäres Lied‹ has ever been given its proper designation. After a brief historical sketch, the paper critically examines the appropriateness of the current terminology. It reminds us of two things, first, that a genre name should catch the central characteristics of the object to be signified and that, second, social circumstances more than anything else leave a strong and lasting effect on the objects under present focus. This justifies the plea for the designation ›Gesellschaftslied‹, stressing its adaptability to different social groups and its widespread use in constantly shifting musical and literary practices.