How would you translate "dolente" into English?

The term "dolente" is derived from Italian, often used in music to indicate a sorrowful or mournful expression. Therefore, its direct translation into English is "sad." This term is commonly utilized in musical contexts to convey the emotional quality that performers should aim to achieve when interpreting a piece marked with this instruction.

The other choices—happy, fierce, and excited—do not align with the emotional connotation of "dolente," as they depict positive or intense emotions that contrast sharply with the sadness implied by the correct translation. Understanding this term helps musicians and theorists alike appreciate the nuanced emotional palette that is often required in musical performance.