Which of the following describes a style of playing that requires strong emphasis on certain notes?

The correct choice is associated with a style of playing in music that emphasizes certain notes prominently. This style, known as marcato, instructs musicians to perform the notes with a strong accent. Each marcato note stands out distinctly from others, conveying a sense of urgency or importance. The directive to play marcato can be likened to a marching style, where each step must be deliberate and pronounced, contributing to a dynamic and lively performance.

In contrast, the other terms represent different dynamics or nuances in music. For instance, piano indicates a softer volume, while forte denotes a loud dynamic, and mezzo signifies a moderate level of volume. None of these options convey the concept of emphasizing specific notes the way marcato does. Thus, understanding the distinctive nature of marcato provides insight into various expressive techniques within music performance.