What does "affettuoso" suggest about the expression of a piece?

The term "affettuoso" is an Italian word commonly used in musical contexts, particularly in performance directions. It conveys a sense of affection and warmth in the expression of the music. When a piece is marked "affettuoso," the performer is encouraged to play it tenderly and expressively, conveying emotions that resonate with love and tenderness. This means the overall interpretation should be gentle and heartfelt, allowing the emotional content of the music to shine through.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the meaning of "affettuoso." Joyfully implies a bright or happy expression, which is different from the intimate quality of tenderness. A performance with aggression suggests a forceful style, which contradicts the gentle nature of "affettuoso." Finally, while playing slowly and quietly could sometimes be associated with tender music, it doesn't capture the specific emotional nuance that "affettuoso" implies. Hence, the best interpretation of this term is to play with tenderness, making the choice that aligns with its meaning the correct one.