What does "articulation" refer to in musical performance?

Articulation in musical performance refers specifically to the manner in which notes are executed, which includes how they start (attack), how long they are sustained (duration), and how they are released (decay). This concept is crucial for expressive playing, as different articulations can convey various emotions and styles—such as staccato (short and detached notes) versus legato (smooth and connected notes). Each articulation technique alters the character of the sound and can significantly influence the overall interpretation of a piece.

While elements like the speed of a musical piece, the arrangement of notes in a melody, and the volume at which music is played are essential aspects of music, they do not encompass the specific definition of articulation, which is focused solely on how the notes are articulated during performance.