bel canto

[ bel kan-toh, -kahn-; Italian bel kahn-taw ]

noun

, Music.

1. a smooth, cantabile style of singing.

bel canto

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bel canto¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bel canto¹

C19: Italian, literally: beautiful singing

Example Sentences

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

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

Born in New York in December 1923 to Greek parents, Callas was credited with reviving almost single-handedly the Italian bel canto vocal technique.

From Reuters

The house said Scappucci will be involved in works by Verdi and Puccini along with bel canto.

From Seattle Times

Many longtime ticket buyers worry that classics will be squeezed out: There is no early 19th-century bel canto next season, and Mozart is represented only by an abridged, English-language “Magic Flute” for families.

From New York Times