What is an interval in music?

An interval in music refers specifically to the distance and relationship between two pitches. This relationship can be defined by the number of half steps between the two notes and the quality of the interval, such as major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished. Understanding intervals is fundamental in music theory, as they form the basis for harmony, melody, and chord construction.

In contrast, the other options address different musical concepts that do not pertain to the definition of an interval. The volume of music notes relates to dynamics, which describes how loud or soft music is played. The speed of a musical performance pertains to tempo, indicating how fast or slow the piece is. Lastly, the duration of notes in a composition involves rhythms and note values, which deal with how long each note is held or played. Each of these aspects contributes to music but does not define an interval.