What does "con espressione" mean when indicated in a musical score?

The term "con espressione" in a musical score indicates that the performer should play or sing the piece with expression. This means that the artist should convey emotion and feeling through their interpretation of the music, enhancing the overall impact on the audience. It encourages musicians to go beyond merely playing the correct notes and rhythms, prompting them to infuse their performance with personal expression and sensitivity to the music's emotional content.

Understanding this term is crucial for appreciating the depth of musical interpretation, as it highlights the importance of conveying mood and character in performance, which is central to classical music and various other genres.