bel canto

American  

[bel kan-toh, -kahn-, bel kahn-taw] / ˌbɛl ˈkæn toʊ, -ˈkɑn-, bɛl ˈkɑn tɔ /

noun

Music.

1. a smooth, cantabile style of singing.

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bel canto British  

/ ˈbɛl ˈkæntəʊ /

noun

1. music

   1. a style of singing characterized by beauty of tone rather than dramatic power

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bel canto aria

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Etymology

Origin of bel canto

1890–95; < Italian: literally, fine singing, equivalent to bel (cognate with beau ) + canto ( canto )

Example Sentences

Later observers, such as the opera critic Henry Pleasants, have noted the bel canto qualities of his singing.

From The Wall Street Journal

The score calls for a large cast with serious bel canto skills, and Opera Philadelphia’s lineup delivered.

From The Wall Street Journal

Riccardo Frizza’s fluid conducting drew out the score’s long bel canto lines and limned its propulsive rhythmic structure, and his flexible support of the singers made every aria and ensemble breathe and soar.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I was fortunate to be the assistant conductor to two major conductors of bel canto opera,” Peleggi said in an interview at Seattle Opera Center soon after arriving in town for the start of rehearsals.

From Seattle Times

She went on to triumph in the full work at the Royal Opera, then took a three-year break from the role to explore the bel canto repertory.

From Seattle Times