, )--with several similar constructions (belcanto, bellezze del canto, bell'arte del canto, pronounced in American English as )--is a term with several meanings that relate to Italian singing, and whose definitions have often been misunderstood. Bel canto was not only seen as a vocal technique, but also as a source of national pride for Italians, specifically in how the musical qualities aligned with their identity. However, this pride was often complicated by political circumstances.

The phrase was not associated