Bel canto
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 An elegant style of singing characterized by beautiful tone and an effortless technique. uncountable
"'Slender' West Lake lies on the western outskirts of Yangzhou. In the early years of the Manchu Emperor Kangxi, the area beside the lake, known as the Alley of Chiming Jade, was famed for its high concentration of houses of pleasure, and for the beauty of its singsong-girls (whose skills extended to a great deal more than bel canto)."
- 2 a style of operatic singing wordnet
Example
More examples"'Slender' West Lake lies on the western outskirts of Yangzhou. In the early years of the Manchu Emperor Kangxi, the area beside the lake, known as the Alley of Chiming Jade, was famed for its high concentration of houses of pleasure, and for the beauty of its singsong-girls (whose skills extended to a great deal more than bel canto)."
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian bel canto (literally “beautiful singing”).