What does "phrasing" in music refer to?

Phrasing in music is fundamentally about how notes are grouped together to convey musical ideas and emotions. It involves the articulation and emphasis of certain notes and rests, creating a sense of musical sentences, much like how words are constructed into sentences in spoken language. This grouping aids in shaping the listener's understanding of the piece, allowing for moments of tension and resolution to emerge, enhancing the overall expressiveness of the performance.

While volume changes over time, the tempo of a piece, and the emotional expression in a performance are important aspects of music, they do not specifically address the concept of phrasing. Phrasing solely focuses on the structural organization of musical notes, making it a core element in interpreting and performing music effectively.