Mus. [Ital.] A short song of simple character, properly one without a second strain and repeat; ‘frequently applied to a smooth melodious air, forming part of a grand scena or movement’ (Grove).
1836. Dickens, Sk. Boz (C. D. ed.), 205. The popular cavatina ‘Bid me discourse.’
1845. E. Holmes, Mozart, 26. An Italian Cavatina which she knew by heart.
