Which term instructs performers to play expressively?

• A. l'istesso
• B. espressivo
• C. sempre
• D. agitato

Answer: (B)

Expressive playing is guided by markings that prompt you to shape the music with feeling. espressivo literally means to play expressively; it tells you to give the line a singing, nuanced tone, with careful dynamic shaping and phrasing that bring out the musical line. It’s a broad cue for expressive interpretation, not tied to a single tempo or mood.

In contrast, l'istesso tempo means keep the same tempo through a passage, which is a tempo instruction rather than a directive about expression. Sempre means always or continuously, indicating consistency in style or tempo, not necessarily how to phrase emotionally. Agitato means agitated or intensely energetic, conveying a specific mood and character rather than a general call to expressiveness.

So, the marking that best signals playing with expression is espressivo.