Which term describes a singing, smooth, connected style?

Which term describes a singing, smooth, connected style?

• A. Cantabile
• B. Dolce
• C. Ritardando
• D. Breath Mark

Answer: (A)

This question focuses on recognizing a musical term that guides how a melodic line should be expressed in a singing, lyrical way. Cantabile indicates a singing, lyrical style with a smooth, connected line. When a phrase is marked cantabile, you shape it as if it were sung—phrasing is legato, the notes flow into one another, and the line remains lyrical and expressive throughout. Dolce means to play sweetly or gently, which affects tone color more than the overall legato of the line. Ritardando is a tempo change, slowing down gradually, not about how the line connects. A breath mark marks where to take a breath, also not about the connectivity of notes. So the term that best describes a singing, smooth, connected style is cantabile.

This question focuses on recognizing a musical term that guides how a melodic line should be expressed in a singing, lyrical way. Cantabile indicates a singing, lyrical style with a smooth, connected line. When a phrase is marked cantabile, you shape it as if it were sung—phrasing is legato, the notes flow into one another, and the line remains lyrical and expressive throughout. Dolce means to play sweetly or gently, which affects tone color more than the overall legato of the line. Ritardando is a tempo change, slowing down gradually, not about how the line connects. A breath mark marks where to take a breath, also not about the connectivity of notes. So the term that best describes a singing, smooth, connected style is cantabile.