"But I think it is more difficult to do a career as a lieder singer, and there have been less lieder singers"

Victoria de los Angeles, a popular Spanish soprano, makes an engaging observation in this quote about the unique difficulties of building a career as a lieder vocalist. Her assertion emphasizes the unique nature of lieder, which are German art tunes usually performed with piano accompaniment. This genre flourishes on its intimate setting, requiring vocalists to communicate deep emotion and subtlety, often drawing from the poetic and nuanced lyrics of composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Wolf.

The difficulty of a lieder profession can be attributed to a number of aspects. To start with, lieder needs extraordinary interpretative abilities. Unlike opera or orchestral works, where narrative and significant visuals support the music, lieder relies exclusively on the singer's capability to stimulate state of mind and emotion within a minimalist context. The singer should possess a profound understanding of the poetry, skillful control over dynamics, and a capability to forge a deep connection with the audience through nuanced expression.

Furthermore, the collection of lieder, while highly satisfying, may not command the widespread appeal or acknowledgment enjoyed by opera. Lieder recitals, often kept in smaller sized places, do not usually draw in the large audiences that prominent operatic productions draw. Subsequently, lieder singers may deal with monetary instability or restricted opportunities for high-profile performances, making it more difficult to accomplish a sustainable profession in this niche.

Victoria de los Angeles's remark on the rarity of lieder vocalists also highlights the evolving trends in classical music. While there have actually been iconic figures in lieder, such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, the genre has traditionally been eclipsed by the grandeur of opera. This makes the pursuit of a lieder-focused profession not just requiring but also a testimony to a vocalist's commitment to the art type.

In summary, the quote underscores the intricate, requiring nature of lieder singing, which requires a blend of artistic sensitivity and interpretative excellence. This explains why there are less lieder singers compared to their operatic counterparts, despite the extensive creative satisfaction that includes mastering this genre.