When a musician sees "sforzato" in the score, how should they play?

The term "sforzato," often abbreviated as "sfz," indicates that a note or chord should be played with a strong emphasis. This directive signals the performer to attack the note with force and intensity, creating a powerful and sudden accent. It's important for musicians to understand that "sforzato" is not merely about playing loudly; rather, it highlights the importance of articulating the note in a way that grabs the listener's attention. This can be particularly effective in adding expressiveness and character to the music.

The other options do not align with the intent of "sforzato." For instance, playing softly contradicts the purpose of creating an impactful moment in the music. Similarly, "accelerated" implies a change in tempo, which doesn't align with the notion of emphasizing a specific note or chord. Lastly, playing in a relaxed manner would also not fit the directive since "sforzato" requires a stark contrast to relaxation, focusing instead on boldness and clarity of attack.