Andante cantabile

Italian composer

Definition

At a walking pace, in a singing style. One of Mozart's most characteristic slow movement directions, calling for a lyrical, vocal quality.

Interpretive Guidance

Project the melody as if sung by a soprano — with natural breath-points at phrase endings and a warm, connected tone. Avoid mechanical evenness; the cantabile quality requires subtle dynamic shaping within each phrase.

Context

Scope Used by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Language Italian

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