What does the term "Molto" or "Assai" convey in musical instruction?

The term "Molto" and "Assai" both translate to "very" in English when used in musical contexts. Their purpose is to qualify the intensity or the manner in which a musical phrase should be played. For example, "molto allegro" indicates to play very fast, while "assai" can be used to intensify the meaning of various musical terms. This emphasis on increasing the degree of expression helps performers understand how to interpret the music with the appropriate amount of intensity or speed. Thus, in the context of musical instruction, these terms are vital for conveying expressive nuances to performers, ensuring that they fully capture the composer's intent.