bel canto
noun
bel can·to bel-ˈkän-(ˌ)tō 
-ˈkan-
-ˈkan- : operatic singing originating in 17th century and 18th century Italy and stressing ease, purity, and evenness of tone production and an agile and precise vocal technique
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web For years, a core of bel canto performers has won a small, loyal following but not widespread support. 
San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2022 As a performer, Brownlee visibly delights in the bel canto repertoire (check out his Donizetti, in that recital), as well as in Sorey’s contemporary language. Seth Colter Walls, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2021 Callas, whose passionate artistry helped resuscitate the early-19th-century bel canto repertoire that had largely vanished by the mid-20th century, had no shortage of drama in her own life. Matthew Anderson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2020 The work embraces bel canto singing, a technically challenging idiom that emphasizes florid vocal lines and ornate melodic embellishment, a Mazzola specialty. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 13 Oct. 2019 Javier Camarena The Mexican tenor, accompanied by pianist Angel Rodriguez, makes his LA Opera recital debut with bel canto favorites by Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini plus songs and arias from the Spanish-language repertoire. Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2019 This didn’t matter in some kinds of early music, bel canto music or French Baroque music. BostonGlobe.com, 3 Oct. 2019 Mazzola’s repertoire includes 87 operas, said Freud, with specialties in bel canto, French, early Verdi and contemporary opera. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 12 Sep. 2019 The chorus is a worthy project both in education and community: Its members are schooled in traditional bel canto, and the results are impressive from so young a group. Daniel Gelernter, National Review, 8 June 2019 See More
San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2022 As a performer, Brownlee visibly delights in the bel canto repertoire (check out his Donizetti, in that recital), as well as in Sorey’s contemporary language. Seth Colter Walls, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2021 Callas, whose passionate artistry helped resuscitate the early-19th-century bel canto repertoire that had largely vanished by the mid-20th century, had no shortage of drama in her own life. Matthew Anderson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2020 The work embraces bel canto singing, a technically challenging idiom that emphasizes florid vocal lines and ornate melodic embellishment, a Mazzola specialty. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 13 Oct. 2019 Javier Camarena The Mexican tenor, accompanied by pianist Angel Rodriguez, makes his LA Opera recital debut with bel canto favorites by Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini plus songs and arias from the Spanish-language repertoire. Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2019 This didn’t matter in some kinds of early music, bel canto music or French Baroque music. BostonGlobe.com, 3 Oct. 2019 Mazzola’s repertoire includes 87 operas, said Freud, with specialties in bel canto, French, early Verdi and contemporary opera. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 12 Sep. 2019 The chorus is a worthy project both in education and community: Its members are schooled in traditional bel canto, and the results are impressive from so young a group. Daniel Gelernter, National Review, 8 June 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
Italian, literally, beautiful singing
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above