lyrisch

Lyrisch is a German adjective meaning lyrical, used to describe poetry, prose, or music that emphasizes emotion, personal expression, and melodic qualities. The term derives from Lyrik, the tradition of lyric poetry, which itself traces back to the Greek lyra, the instrument historically associated with sung poetry.

In literature, lyrisch designates works or passages that foreground inner feelings, imagery, and rhythm rather than a driving narrative. A lyrisches Gedicht typically presents a personal speaker and a compact, musical style. Prose can also be described as lyrisch when it features rich imagery and a heightened musical cadence.

In music, lyrisch refers to a singing, song-like quality. A lyrischer Tenor or lyrische Stimme indicates a voice or line suited to smooth, expressive melodic contours rather than heavy or declamatory style. The term can apply to works with pronounced melodic beauty and emotional immediacy, such as songs, arias, or vocal-inflected instrumental passages.

Related terms include Lyrik (lyric poetry) and Lyriker (lyric poet). In contrast to episch (epic, narrative) and dramatisch (dramatic), lyrisch emphasizes mood, imagery, and sonority over plot or action.