messa di voce

noun

mes·​sa di vo·​ce

ˌmāsədēˈvō(ˌ)chā,

ˌmes-

plural messe di voce

-(ˌ)sād-

: the singing of a gradual crescendo and decrescendo on a long sustained tone

—used of a vocal technique originating in 18th century bel canto

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, placing of the voice

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