What does the instruction "Ben marcato" mean?

The instruction "Ben marcato" translates to "well marked" in English. In musical terms, it indicates that the notes should be played with a sense of emphasis or articulation, making them stand out more clearly in the performance. This marking suggests a strong, pronounced style of playing that can highlight phrasing and dynamics effectively.

The term encompasses the idea of bringing out the character of each note or phrase distinctly, which is an essential aspect of conveying the music's emotional intent.

Other options do not capture this emphasis on articulation. The idea of "well played" suggests proficiency without the specific focus on articulation. "Played quickly" indicates tempo, while "played softly" implies dynamics that contradict the intention of marking notes clearly. Thus, the phrase "Ben marcato" distinctly refers to the quality of articulation and emphasis in music performance, making the correct answer "marked well."