cantabile

Singing, song-like — an instruction to play in a smooth, lyrical style that imitates the human voice. In Burgmüller's études and character pieces, cantabile passages require a full, singing tone in the melody with a lighter accompaniment texture.

For a true cantabile touch, imagine the melody as a vocal line: shape each phrase as a singer would, with a slight intensification on the way up and a gentle taper on the way down. The accompaniment must be subservient — never let it compete with the singing voice above.