1. A short, simple aria or vocal melody in an opera or oratorio, typically without repetition of text.
Usage: music; formal
2. An instrumental piece, especially for a solo instrument, that resembles a vocal cavatina in its lyrical, songlike character.
Usage: music; formal

Examples

• The soprano performed a beautiful cavatina in the second act of the opera.
• Rossini was known for composing memorable cavatinas that showcased the singer's vocal range.
• The cellist played a cavatina that had a tender, expressive quality.
• In 18th-century opera, the cavatina often served as an introduction to a longer aria.
• The composer wrote a cavatina for violin that became one of his most popular works.