Which term would indicate a lively, animated manner?

• A. Allargando
• B. Concerto
• C. Animato
• D. Andantino

Answer: (C)

In tempo and expression markings, composers signal how to shape the music’s character. Animato means animated, lively playing with brisk energy, so it directly indicates a lively, animated manner. Allargando asks for a broadening of tempo and a more expansive feel, not energy, which gives a grand, slower character. Andantino typically suggests a walking pace, often relaxed and not particularly vigorous. Concerto denotes a type of musical work rather than a mood or tempo, so it doesn’t specify liveliness. So the marking that best conveys a lively, animated manner is Animato.