Which term describes the concept of "without" in Italian musical terminology?

The term that describes the concept of "without" in Italian musical terminology is "senza." In musical contexts, "senza" is used to indicate the absence of something. For example, "senza sordino" means "without mute," instructing the performer to play without a mute. This term is integral to giving specific performance instructions and adds nuance to the interpretation of the music.

Understanding the other terms helps to clarify why "senza" is the most appropriate choice. "Troppo" means "too much," and is often used to indicate excess, while "una corda" translates to "one string," typically referring to the use of the dampers in piano playing to create a softer sound. "Tre corde" means "three strings," related to the piano's dampers as well, but in the opposite direction—as in lifting the mute to allow all strings to ring. Thus, these terms do not convey the meaning of "without" that "senza" captures.