Singing

As Printed on a Score

Printed above a melodic line as a character direction (singing, singing tone), usually where a theme begins, and in force until a new character word. It is the English form of cantabile.

How Composers Use It

Use it where an instrument should imitate the voice: long phrases, legato connection, a tone that carries the melody over its accompaniment. On piano it calls for weight on the melody notes and careful balance within each chord. It implies breath-length phrases, so it sits poorly on fast or detached passages.

Related Terms