When a musician sees "Dolce," how should they play?

The term "Dolce" is an Italian musical directive that translates to "sweetly." When musicians encounter this instruction, it indicates that they should play in a gentle and tender manner, often with a sense of warmth and lyricism. The emphasis is on producing a pleasing and soft sound, which aligns perfectly with the description of playing "softly and sweetly."

This directive is commonly used in lyrical passages where an expressive and delicate interpretation is desired. Therefore, interpreting "Dolce" as a cue to perform in a soft and sweet manner is entirely appropriate and aligns with the general understanding of this term within musical contexts.