Cantando

/kænˈtɑːndoʊ/kan-TAHN-doh
Expression & MoodItalian

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

Apa arti Cantando dalam musik?

Singingly — playing with singing, lyrical character (similar to cantabile).

Dari mana asal kata Cantando?

Italian, gerund of cantare (‘to sing’).

Bagaimana Cantando dimainkan dalam praktiknya?

Sing the line. Phrase by breath, shape by emotional contour, sustain by tone. The instrumental should sound vocal.

Istilah musik apa saja yang berkaitan dengan Cantando?

Istilah terkait: Cantabile, Espressivo, Dolce, Sostenuto.

Piano Companion
Piano Companion
Chords, Scales & Progressions

Ingin semua kunci di ujung jari? Unduh aplikasi gratis kami dengan 10.000+ kunci dan tangga nada — dipercaya jutaan musisi.

Unduh Gratis
ChordIQ
ChordIQ
Learn Music by Playing

Siap benar-benar belajar kunci-kunci ini? Latih telinga Anda dengan game interaktif — untuk gitar, ukulele, bass, dan lainnya.

Unduh Gratis

Practice with Songtive's free tools

Hear this term applied — explore chord charts, fingerings and the music engine.

Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano