Cantabiles meaning

Cantabiles are musical pieces that are meant to be played smoothly and melodiously.


Cantabiles definitions

Word backwards selibatnac
Part of speech Cantabiles is a noun.
Syllabic division can-ta-bi-les
Plural The plural of the word "cantabile" is "cantabile."
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) a,i,e
Consonants (6) c,n,t,b,l,s

Cantabiles in Music

Cantabiles are musical compositions or sections characterized by a smooth, flowing, and singing style. This term is derived from the Italian word "cantare," which means to sing. A cantabile passage is often lyrical and melodic, allowing the performer to express emotions through their playing.

Characteristics of Cantabiles

A cantabile passage is typically slow in tempo, allowing the melody to shine through. The music is often written in a legato style, with notes smoothly connected to create a seamless and flowing sound. This type of music is often found in operatic arias, art songs, and instrumental works where the focus is on lyrical expression.

Interpretation of Cantabiles

When performing a cantabile passage, musicians must pay attention to shaping the melody with expression and dynamics. The goal is to create a singing quality in the music, as if the instrument itself is "singing" the melody. This requires careful attention to phrasing, breath control (for wind players), and control of tone and vibrato.

Examples of Cantabiles

Some famous examples of cantabile passages in music include the opening of Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, where the melody flows gracefully and lyrically. Another example is the aria "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's opera Gianni Schicchi, known for its beautiful and soaring melody that captures the emotional intensity of the character.

Overall, cantabiles play an essential role in music, allowing performers to convey deep emotions and connect with their audience through the power of melody and expression.


Cantabiles Examples

  1. The opera singer delivered a beautiful cantabile performance.
  2. The violinist's cantabile phrasing brought tears to the audience's eyes.
  3. The cantabile section of the music piece was incredibly melodic.
  4. The pianist executed the cantabile passage with grace and sensitivity.
  5. The orchestra's cantabile playing created a serene atmosphere in the concert hall.
  6. The composer wrote a cantabile melody that lingered in the listener's mind long after the music had ended.
  7. The cantabile theme recurred throughout the symphony, tying the entire piece together.
  8. The cellist played the cantabile line with a rich, warm tone that captivated the audience.
  9. The cantabile section of the song contrasted beautifully with the more agitated passages.
  10. The singer's natural cantabile style showcased their vocal control and emotional depth.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 09:02:09