What does the term "tenuto" instruct a musician to do?

The term "tenuto" instructs a musician to hold or sustain the notes. This musical directive indicates that each note should be played for its full value, effectively allowing the note to linger slightly longer than its standard duration. This gives the performance a sense of weight and prominence, as the musician maintains the sound without rushing to the next note.

In contrast, interpreting "tenuto" as playing notes in a lively manner or quickly is not consistent with its meaning, which emphasizes a steady and sustained approach. Similarly, while emphasizing notes can be achieved through dynamics, "tenuto" specifically directs the musician to focus on holding the notes rather than simply increasing their volume. Thus, the correct understanding of "tenuto" aligns with the instruction to sustain the notes, providing clarity and depth to the musical expression.