In musical terminology, what does "con espressione" mean?

The phrase "con espressione" translates directly from Italian to "with expression." In the context of musical terminology, it instructs performers to play or sing a piece of music with a sense of emotional depth and nuance. This means that musicians are encouraged to convey the feelings inherent in the music, allowing them to interpret the piece in a more personal and expressive manner.

Understanding musical terms like "con espressione" is crucial for performers as it guides their interpretation and affects the overall delivery of the piece. It emphasizes the importance of emotion in music, enhancing the audience's connection to the performance. Thus, this term underlines the expressive quality that musicians should strive to achieve to communicate effectively through their art.