Book excerpt: This dissertation seeks to uncover the components of Spanish art song through history, culture and musical contributions that set the pathway of the evolution of this art form. It aims to enlighten readers so that they can analyze and appreciate Spanish art song from the various influences that form the basis of the genre, including each composer’s overall process along with understanding the struggles that were necessary to propel its growth. The view of Spanish art song should not be considered one from a Spanish heritage perspective but instead as a process of stylistic changes, a combination of complex tendencies and nationalistic influences as an interconnected process for the construction of their musical language. Chapter One examines the composers Isaac Albeniz, Felipe Pedrell, Enrique Granados and Fermin A. Alvarez. It explores their ideas, aspirations, desires and goals as composers, treating them simply as composers at the heart of who they were during their time, without a predetermination that their Spanish heritage solely defines them and their works. Chapter Two invites the reader to look more deeply into the intrinsic value of Spanish art song’s musical tradition. It studies how Manuel Falla elevated Spanish art song and gave it a deeper cultural meaning. Chapter Three explores the way in which Joaquin Rodrigo merged his European Romantic style training with Spanish folk elements in his songs. This chapter aims to observe how merging these ideas can add a deeper meaning of the progressive language of his compositions. Chapter Four outlines how to incorporate the elements of Spanish art song for the development of artistic study in ways that are appropriate for student singers, addressing how this format transforms a singer’s repertoire as a whole. Selected songs will be discussed in detail that contribute to artistry, deserve a place in the modern repertoire, and are suitable for a recital program.