What term refers to the volume of sound in music, ranging from very soft to very loud?

The term that refers to the volume of sound in music, ranging from very soft to very loud, is known as dynamics. Dynamics encompasses the variations in loudness throughout a musical piece, indicating how quietly or loudly a passage should be played or sung. It is an essential aspect of musical expression, allowing performers to convey emotion and intensity, enhancing the overall impact of the music.

While tempo relates to the speed of the music, timbre refers to the unique quality or color of a sound that distinguishes different instruments or voices, and articulation deals with the clarity and style of note execution, these concepts do not pertain to the volume of sound as dynamics does. Understanding dynamics empowers musicians to interpret and perform music with greater emotional depth and nuance.