bel canto

/ˈbɛl ˌkɑnˈtoʊ/

A singer trained in bel canto performs opera with a clear, pure tone and effortless agility across their entire range. Bel canto prioritizes vocal precision, perfect pitch, and brilliant ornamentation.

Bel canto simply means "beautiful singing" in Italian. It refers to a style of opera singing that began as early as the 1500s and flourished for the next three centuries. The focus in bel canto is more on technique and control than on dynamics and dramatic expression. Once the 1900s began, however, this style became less popular, as there was more emphasis on the theatrical quality of the singing performance.

Definitions of bel canto

1. noun

   a style of opera singing emphasizing pure tone and vocal agility
   type of:

   singing, vocalizing

   the act of singing vocal music