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

The challenges of those two roles are one reason that the piece is less commonly performed than other bel canto operas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

“Barber” is one of the most famous operas written in the bel canto style.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

Born Maria Anna Sophie Cecilia Kalogeropoulos in New York in December 1923 to Greek parents, Callas was credited with the almost single-handed revival of the Italian bel canto vocal technique.

From Reuters • Oct. 25, 2023

Music, laughter, the traditions of Italian bel canto, you have no room for them, they are too light, too trifling.

From Half A Chance by Isham, Frederic Stewart