How would you describe 'lively, animated' in musical terms?

Describing music as 'lively' and 'animated' is best captured by the term 'Animato.' In musical notation, Animato is used to indicate a lively and spirited tempo, suggesting that the music should be played with energy and enthusiasm. This term conveys a clear instruction to performers to add a sense of vibrancy to the music, making it more engaging and dynamic.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings and implications in music. Rallentando refers to a gradual slowing down of the tempo, which does not align with the idea of liveliness or animation. Tempo itself refers to the speed of the music but does not specifically imply liveliness without additional context. Colla, often found in the context of music performance, typically refers to playing together or in unison, but it does not connote lively movement. Thus, Animato is the term that best embodies the concept of being lively and animated in music.