When a music score indicates "Calando", how should the performer adjust their playing?

When a music score indicates "Calando," the performer is instructed to gradually slow down and soften their playing. This term is derived from the Italian word for "growing quiet" and is used to communicate a specific expressive quality in the music. The gradual deceleration in tempo coupled with a decrease in dynamics helps to create a sense of relaxation or conclusion in the musical phrase. This technique allows the performer to convey emotional depth and enhances the interpretative element of the piece.

The other options do not align with the meaning of "Calando." For instance, increasing volume would contradict the instruction to soften, maintaining the same tempo would ignore the requirement to slow down, and starting to play faster would completely oppose the intended effect. Understanding these nuances enriches a musician's interpretative skills and ultimately leads to more effective performances.