How is 'fading away' musically indicated in performance?

'Fading away' in a musical context typically refers to a gradual decrease in volume or intensity. The term that specifically conveys this concept is "morendo," which suggests not only a diminishing of sound but also an expressive sense of nearly "dying away" as the music comes to a close. This indicator is often used to convey emotion and a sense of conclusion within a piece, guiding performers to allow the sound to gently fade into silence, creating a poignant and reflective moment.

The other terms, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the essence of fading away as effectively. "Molto" translates to "very" and is used to modify dynamics or tempos but does not imply a decrease in volume. "Pesante" means heavy or ponderous, indicating a weighty character rather than a fading one. "Mezzo forte," meaning moderately loud, does not convey a sense of fading at all. Instead, it denotes a sustained volume level. Thus, "morendo" is the correct choice as it intrinsically describes the specific act of fading away in musical performance.