Singend

As Printed on a Score

Printed over the line that should sing — in orchestral scores usually lower-case over a single part — and lasting for that melody. Technical words may follow it on the same line (a string choice, Griffbrett).

How Composers Use It

The German cantabile: a sustained, connected line shaped like a phrase for the voice, with breath and vibrato. It also tells the player which voice leads, so in a busy texture it doubles as a balance cue. Mahler pairs it with soft dynamics and with Griffbrett, so singing need not mean loud or bright.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, first movement, first violins, m. 307: “singend” at pp, with “Griffbrett” the next bar.

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