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How is malinconico played?
The composer writes malinconico to ask for a brooding, inward, melancholy character rather than a tempo. It is a mood instruction, often paired with a slow or moderate tempo, that colours phrasing toward introspection and restraint. The most famous use of the related noun is Beethoven's String Quartet in B-flat, Op. 18 No. 6, whose finale opens with a slow introduction Beethoven titled 'La Malinconia' and asked to be played 'colla più gran delicatezza' (with the greatest delicacy). Performers typically respond with covered tone, flexible rubato, and a sense of withheld emotion.
How does malinconico sound?
A clouded, introspective sound, tender and pensive rather than overtly grieving.
In context
The textbook reference is Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6, whose finale opens with a slow introduction titled 'La Malinconia', marked Adagio and to be played with the greatest delicacy. The Wikipedia glossary defines malinconico simply as 'melancholic'.