Which term means 'less' in the musical context?

The term that means 'less' in a musical context is "meno." This term is commonly used in musical notation to indicate that something should be performed with less intensity, volume, or speed. For example, "meno mosso" means "less movement," suggesting that a passage should be played more slowly than indicated. This allows composers to communicate specific instructions about the dynamics or tempo, enabling performers to interpret the music as intended.

The other terms, while having their own meanings, do not convey the idea of 'less.' "Quasi" generally means 'as if' or 'like,' serving as a qualifier rather than a directive for reduction. "Stretto" refers to a musical term meaning 'narrow' and is often used to indicate a faster or more compressed passage in a fugue. "Ruhe" translates to 'rest' or 'calm,' which relates to tranquility or stillness rather than a reduction of quantity or intensity. This understanding clarifies that "meno" is the appropriate term to denote 'less' in music.