Which musical element describes the speed at which a piece of music is played?

The element that describes the speed at which a piece of music is played is tempo. Tempo indicates how fast or slow the music should be performed, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM). A faster tempo results in a more energetic and lively performance, while a slower tempo creates a relaxed or solemn atmosphere.

Understanding tempo is crucial for musicians, as it provides the framework for coordinating rhythm and maintaining a consistent pace throughout a piece. It can drastically impact the mood and feel of a musical composition, making it one of the fundamental concepts in music performance and analysis.

Other elements like dynamics refer to the volume of the music, texture pertains to how many layers of sound are heard simultaneously, and articulation involves the manner in which notes are played, such as legato or staccato. While these aspects contribute to the overall musical expression, they do not convey information about the speed of the music.