Which term can be written as con brio or brioso?

• A. Con brio, brioso
• B. Con fuoco
• C. Tenuto
• D. Portato

Answer: (A)

Playful, energetic character is being described by Italian expressive terms, and some of these words are just different ways of saying the same idea. Con brio means with vigor or spirit, and brioso is a synonym that literally carries the meaning of being lively and spirited. Because they express the same mood, they can be used interchangeably on a score to guide the performer to play with bright energy. The other terms point to different ideas: con fuoco also suggests energy but with a fiery edge; tenuto marks hold or sustain notes; portato indicates a lightly detached, semi-detached articulation. So the choice that shows both phrases as interchangeable best captures the intended concept.