Which term best describes "agitato" in music?

The term "agitato" in music indeed translates to an agitated or restless style of playing. It suggests a sense of urgency or excitement, indicating that the music should be performed with a certain intensity or agitation to convey heightened emotional expression. This term is often used to encourage performers to embrace a more frantic or forceful interpretation of the music, rather than a calm or leisurely one.

The other options present terms that do not align with the meaning of "agitato." For instance, terms that indicate calmness or relaxation, as well as those that suggest slow and expressive playing, differ significantly from the character that "agitato" embodies. The notion of "played at choice" also lacks the specific directive quality inherent in "agitato," which explicitly calls for a particular emotional coloring in the performance.