Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Smooth and flowing: Describes a musical passage or performance that is executed in a lyrical, song-like manner, with a graceful and connected quality.

2. Adverb:

   • In a smooth and flowing style: An instruction to perform music in a singing, lyrical manner.

Usage

• Adjective: Used to describe the character of a piece of music or a specific section within it.
• Adverb: Used as a musical direction on a score to instruct the performer on how to play.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The second movement of the sonata is marked "cantabile," requiring a very lyrical touch.
  • She played the melody with a beautiful, cantabile tone.

• Adverb:

  • The composer wrote "cantabile" above the solo violin line.
  • Play this section cantabile, as if you were singing it.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun: In historical contexts, "cantabile" can refer to a piece of music or a section of a composition that is lyrical and song-like.
  • The opera's cantabile was followed by a lively cabaletta.

Variants and Related Words

• Cantilena (n): A sustained, flowing melody in a vocal or instrumental piece.
• Legato (adj/adv): A related musical term indicating that notes are to be played smoothly and connectedly. While similar, is more about technical connection, whereas emphasizes a singing quality.

Synonyms

• Lyrical: Expressing deep personal emotion in a beautiful, song-like way.
• Melodious: Having a pleasant melody; tuneful.
• Songlike: Resembling or characteristic of a song.

Antonyms

• Staccato: With each sound or note sharply detached or separated from the others.
• Marcato: Marked, accented, or emphasized.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "In a cantabile style": A phrase used to describe a performance that captures the singing, flowing quality.
  • The cellist performed the entire adagio in a cantabile style.

Adjective

1. smooth and flowing