What does the abbreviation "m.s." indicate?

The abbreviation "m.s." actually stands for "manu sinistra," which translates to "left hand" in English. This term is commonly used in musical scores to instruct the pianist to play specific notes or passages with the left hand. Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for effective interpretation of the music, allowing the performer to adhere to the composer’s intentions regarding hand usage.

The other responses do not accurately reflect the meaning of "m.s." For example, "play softly" would typically be indicated by "p," while "play loudly" would be marked by "f." The instruction to use the right hand would be denoted as "m.d." or "manu dextra." Recognizing these terms ensures that musicians can effectively communicate and execute the essential techniques required in performance.