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 ( see 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

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 • Oct. 8, 2025

“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 • 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

She had the real bel canto, understood the voice, how to use it and the best way to preserve it.

From Vocal Mastery Talks with Master Singers and Teachers by Brower, Harriette