What does "amabile" translate to in a musical context?

Study for the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory Test. Dive into multiple choice questions, flashcards, hints, and explanations. Build confidence and get ready for your test!

In a musical context, "amabile" translates to "pleasant." This term is often used to describe a style of playing or singing that is smooth, sweet, and agreeable in character, contributing to a warm and inviting musical expression. When a composer indicates "amabile" in the score, they are conveying a desire for the performer to execute the music in a way that is charming and enjoyable to listen to, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the piece. This aligns closely with the common use of the word in everyday language, where something described as "pleasant" evokes a sense of satisfaction and delight.

Other options may have their own meanings in various contexts—"with passion" describes a more intense emotional quality, "very" implies an amplification of whatever characteristic is applied, and "medium walking speed" denotes a specific tempo—but they do not capture the essence of the term "amabile" as specifically as "pleasant." Thus, the translation to "pleasant" accurately reflects the intended musical nuance.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy