cantabile

Italian composer

Definition

In a singing style — smooth, lyrical, with legato connection between notes and natural phrase shaping. The fundamental expressive quality of Thalberg's melodic writing, directly derived from his study of bel canto opera.

Interpretive Guidance

Achieve cantabile by connecting fingers as if passing a single sustained breath from note to note. Minimise any gap between notes in the melody. Weight the fingertips rather than the knuckles to produce a rounder, more sustained tone.

Context

Scope Used by Sigismond Thalberg
Language Italian

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