Lower than, on a score

SOTTO

This Italian musical term indicates a passage should be played softly, and it also means "under" in its native language.

The clue "Lower than, on a score" hints at a musical term meaning "below" or "softer," which is "sotto" in Italian. In sheet music, "sotto voce" directs singers to perform quietly, reinforcing the idea of being lower in volume or intensity. The answer plays on both the literal meaning of "lower" and its musical application, making "SOTTO" the fitting solution.