How does a folk song differ from an art song?

In the context of vocal music, folk songs and art songs are distinguished primarily by their transmission, authorship, and performance practices.1

Key Differences

• Transmission and Stability: Folk songs are typically learned by ear through oral tradition, making them susceptible to constant change as they are passed between generations. Because they are infrequently written down, they exist in numerous variants rather than a single standard form. In contrast, art songs are written down, which renders their notes and words resistant to casual alteration.213
• Authorship: The composers of most folk songs are unknown, whereas art songs are composed works intended for performance by trained professionals.1
• Performance and Accompaniment: Folk songs are often sung unaccompanied or with simple accompaniment from a single instrument, such as a guitar or dulcimer. Art songs generally require professional singers and are typically accompanied by a piano or instrumental ensemble.1
• Context and Style: Folk songs are often associated with communal activities like rituals, work, or storytelling. Art songs, essentially an urban phenomenon, feature sophisticated texts and complex, wide-ranging melodies that are rarely connected to extramusical activities.14