What term describes a musical passage that is to be performed quicker?

The term that describes a musical passage that is to be performed quicker is "accelerando." This term indicates a gradual increase in tempo, meaning that the musician should gradually play faster as the piece progresses. It is often used in sheet music to convey to the performer the intention of a lively and speeding up feeling as the passage unfolds.

In contrast, other terms like "adagio," "allegro," and "andante" define different tempos. "Adagio" refers to a slow tempo, while "allegro" indicates a fast tempo from the outset rather than describing a gradual increase. "Andante" signifies a moderate tempo, typically translating to a walking pace. Understanding these terms is crucial for musicians to effectively interpret and perform musical scores.