What is the outline of the overall structure of a musical composition called?

The overall structure of a musical composition is referred to as "form." This term describes how different sections of the music are organized and related to each other, providing a framework for the composition. Understanding form helps musicians and listeners appreciate the narrative and developmental aspects of a piece. Common examples of musical forms include binary, ternary, sonata, and rondo, each of which lends a unique characteristic to the piece being performed.

Dynamics, on the other hand, refer to the variations in loudness or intensity within a piece, which directly affects the emotional impact but does not address the overall structure. Cadence denotes a specific progression of chords that concludes a phrase or section in music, while texture relates to the way different musical voices or lines interact within the composition. While these concepts are all important elements of music, they do not define the overarching structure as specifically as form does.