Which marking indicates a singing style suitable for melodic line?

• A. Cantando
• B. Giojoso
• C. Cantabile
• D. Al Fine

Answer: (C)

Cantabile signals a singing, lyrical approach to the melody—smooth, connected phrasing with a vocal quality that makes the line flow like a song. This focus on legato and expressive shaping makes it the best fit for a melodic line on winds, guiding breath and tone to carry the melody with a singing character. Cantando also means singing, but cantabile is the standard marking for instrumental lines to be played in a vocal, song-like manner. Gioioso indicates a joyful mood, not the specific delivery of the melodic line, and Al Fine tells you where to end, not how to shape the line. So cantabile best captures the idea of a singing style for a melodic line.