Bel canto (literally
beautiful singing) is an
Italian musical term which refers to the art and science of vocal technique which originated in
Italy during the late sixteenth century and reached its pinnacle in the early part of the nineteenth century during the Bel Canto
opera era.
Rossini,
Bellini, and
Donizetti are the best-known exponents of this style, which flourished from approximately 1810 to 1830.
To sing bel canto opera is supremely difficult, calling for exceptional refinement of tone, agility, legato, range, and breath control.