What does 'Con espressione' imply in a musical context?

In a musical context, 'Con espressione' translates to "with expression." This term indicates that the performer should play or sing the music with emotional intensity and interpretive nuance. It calls for the artist to convey feelings and connect with the audience through their performance, going beyond mere technical accuracy to infuse the music with personal interpretation and depth.

Understanding this term is crucial for musicians as it sets the expectation that interpretation is a key component of performance. Simply playing notes correctly is not enough when ‘con espressione’ is indicated; the performer must reflect the emotional content of the piece. This enhances the overall musical experience and allows for a richer engagement between the performer and listener.