Cantando
Definition. Singingly — playing with singing, lyrical character (similar to cantabile).
Detailed Explanation
Cantando is Italian for ‘singing’ — the gerund form of cantare (‘to sing’). As a performance direction it is essentially synonymous with cantabile (singable, songlike), instructing the performer to play with a singing, lyrical character.
The character is lyrical and warm. Cantando passages should feel as if the line were being sung — connected phrasing, breathing pace, warm tone, expressive shaping. The performer should imagine the line as a vocal melody and shape it accordingly.
The direction is interchangeable with cantabile in most contexts. Some traditions distinguish cantando as ‘actively singing’ (gerund form, ongoing action) and cantabile as ‘capable of being sung’ (adjective), but in practice the markings are equivalent.
Etymology
Italian, gerund of cantare (‘to sing’).
In Practice
Sing the line. Phrase by breath, shape by emotional contour, sustain by tone. The instrumental should sound vocal.
Notable Examples
- Verdi — Various operas (cantando string passages)
- Mahler — Symphonies (cantando lyrical lines)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cantando mean in music?
Singingly — playing with singing, lyrical character (similar to cantabile).
Where does the word Cantando come from?
Italian, gerund of cantare (‘to sing’).
How is Cantando performed in practice?
Sing the line. Phrase by breath, shape by emotional contour, sustain by tone. The instrumental should sound vocal.
What musical terms are related to Cantando?
Related terms include: Cantabile, Espressivo, Dolce, Sostenuto.
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