I’m very frustrated when it comes to lieder. They can be listened to for the beauty of the music, but that’s only half the picture. A lied is comprised of music AND words. It’s an artistic entity in which the words have to be a part. Since lieder by virtue of the name are in German, one must read the words in translation when listening. It takes some effort to do this which I’m not always willing to put in.
So when I just listen to lieder I know I’m missing out on that vital union of words and music.
The music and singing by itself can be quite beautiful, but I always feel I’m missing out on the total experience.