What is "intonation" in the context of music?

Intonation refers specifically to the accuracy of pitch when singing or playing an instrument. It is crucial for accurate musical performance, as a singer or musician must be able to produce notes at the correct pitch to ensure harmony and alignment with other performers. Good intonation means that a performer can consistently hit the intended notes, which is vital for both solo and ensemble performances.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned relate to different aspects of music: speed, or tempo, determines how fast a piece is played; emotional expression encompasses the personal feeling and interpretation brought into a performance; and dynamics refer to the volume variations throughout a musical piece. Each of these elements is important in its own right but does not define intonation. Thus, the focus on pitch accuracy distinctly characterizes what intonation is within musical contexts.