Andante cantabile

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as the heading of a slow movement or song, and in force until the next tempo word. Opening directions such as con sordini or dolce often sit close by; a later cantabile alone, or sempre cantabile, only renews the singing manner.

How Composers Use It

The singing Andante: the melody should be shaped like a vocal line, legato and breathing at phrase ends, over an accompaniment that supports rather than competes. It is a natural choice for Classical slow movements and for Romantic songs without words. Make sure the melody is genuinely vocal in range and phrasing; cantabile on angular, instrumental writing invites a style the notes cannot deliver.

Example

Mozart, Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 (“Jupiter”), second movement, m. 1: “Andante cantabile”, with “con sordini” among the opening directions.

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