What is described as the manner in which notes are executed?

The term that describes the manner in which notes are executed is articulation. Articulation refers to the various ways in which a musician can play or sing notes, affecting their attack, duration, and decay. Different types of articulation can create contrasts in the sound, such as staccato, where notes are played sharply and detached, and legato, where notes are connected smoothly. Understanding articulation is essential for conveying the appropriate expression and style in a piece of music.

The other options represent different concepts in music. Coda refers to a concluding section added to the end of a piece, arpeggio describes the technique of playing the notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously, and cantabile indicates a lyrical or singing style of playing. While these terms are all important in music theory and performance, none directly address the manner of execution of individual notes as effectively as articulation does.