What musical term describes a style of singing characterized by smoothness and expressiveness?

The term that describes a style of singing characterized by smoothness and expressiveness is "Cantabile." This Italian word translates to "singable" and is often used in music to indicate that a melody should be sung in a lyrical and flowing manner, emphasizing the beauty of the line and emotional expression.

In practice, when a piece is marked "cantabile," performers are encouraged to use legato phrasing, allowing each note to smoothly connect to the next, creating a sense of fluidity. This contrasts with other terms like "con brio," which means "with vigor" and suggests a more spirited and lively performance, or "con forza," meaning "with force," indicating a strong and powerful execution. "Con moto," translating to "with motion," refers to a tempo that is lively rather than focusing on expressiveness.

By understanding "cantabile," musicians gain insight into the expressive qualities required in their performance, which is essential for conveying the intended emotion in the music.