Cavatina
CAVATINA (Ital. diminutive of cavata, the producing of tone from an instrument, plural cavatine), originally a short song of simple character, without a second strain or any repetition of the air. It is now frequently applied to a simple melodious air, as distinguished from a brilliant aria, recitative, etc., and often forms part of a large movement or scena in oratorio or opera.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
