It’s played quietly (5)
I believe the answer is:
piano
'quietly' is the definition.
('piano' can be a synonym of 'quietly')
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for piano that I've seen before include "Keyboard instrument" , "Musical instrument - play quietly" , "Softly (mus.)" , "entertain with this softly" , "key holder" .)