Cantilena
Definition. Smooth lyrical vocal line — a flowing, song-like melody, especially in slow movements.
Detailed Explanation
Cantilena is Italian for ‘little song’ — a smooth, lyrical, flowing melodic line, especially in slow movements or vocal works. The term emphasizes the singing, songlike quality of the music: cantilena passages should feel as if they were natural vocal melodies, even when played on instruments.
The character is lyrical and continuous. Cantilena passages typically feature long phrases, smooth contour, careful breath-like phrasing, and warm tone. The marking is closely related to cantabile (singable) — both indicate that the music should sound like song.
The term is found throughout the operatic and instrumental repertoire. Bellini’s vocal lines are famously cantilena; Brahms’s slow movements often feature cantilena melodies; Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 opens with one of the most famous cantilenas in 20th-century music.
Etymology
Italian, ‘little song’, from Latin cantilena (‘song, ballad’), from cantilare (‘to sing repeatedly’).
In Practice
Sing the line. Long, breathing phrases; warm tone; legato connection. The instrumental line should sound like a vocal melody.
Notable Examples
- Bellini — Norma (cantilena vocal lines)
- Villa-Lobos — Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 (famous opening cantilena)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cantilena mean in music?
Smooth lyrical vocal line — a flowing, song-like melody, especially in slow movements.
Where does the word Cantilena come from?
Italian, ‘little song’, from Latin cantilena (‘song, ballad’), from cantilare (‘to sing repeatedly’).
How is Cantilena performed in practice?
Sing the line. Long, breathing phrases; warm tone; legato connection. The instrumental line should sound like a vocal melody.
What musical terms are related to Cantilena?
Related terms include: Cantabile, Cantando, Espressivo, Dolce.
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