Which term is synonymous with lively movement in music?

The term that is synonymous with lively movement in music is "vivace." In musical terminology, "vivace" indicates a fast, lively tempo, often suggesting an energetic or spirited character in the performance. It is a directive that musicians interpret as a cue to play with enthusiasm and briskness, bringing a sense of motion and vibrancy to the piece.

In contrast, while "espressivo" refers to expressive playing, often involving emotional depth and nuance rather than a specific tempo, "rubato" signifies a flexible approach to timing that allows for variations in tempo for artistic effect. "Spiritoso," although it also conveys a sense of liveliness or spiritedness, is not as commonly used as "vivace" to denote a specific tempo indication in the same way. Therefore, "vivace" stands out as the most direct and appropriate term for describing lively movement in the context of music.