The term that indicates a lively and spirited pace is?

The term that indicates a lively and spirited pace is "schnell." This German word translates to "quick" or "fast" in English and is commonly used in musical notation to suggest a lively tempo that encourages an energetic performance. This characteristic makes "schnell" a fitting choice for conveying an upbeat and spirited atmosphere in music.

In contrast, the other terms listed imply other adjustments to tempo. "Ritardando" refers to gradually slowing down the tempo, which would not align with the idea of a lively pace. Similarly, "rallentando" also means to gradually decrease the speed of the music, while "ritenuto" indicates a sudden slowing of the tempo. Therefore, "schnell" is the appropriate term for indicating a lively and spirited pace in musical performance.