In piano terms, what does "tre corde" indicate?

"Tre corde" is an Italian term used in music notation, particularly in relation to piano performance. It translates to "three strings" and instructs the performer to release the una corda pedal, which is the left pedal on the piano. This pedal alters the sound by shifting the action so that the hammers strike fewer strings (usually, two out of the three strings per note), which creates a softer and more muted tone.

When a passage is marked "tre corde," it indicates that the performer should return to the normal sound of the piano, striking all three strings per note again, thus bringing back the full, bright tone of the instrument.

In this context, the correct understanding aligns with the action of releasing the left pedal, as this term directly pertains to the use of the piano pedals. The other options reflect different piano techniques or instructions that do not relate directly to the meaning of "tre corde."