What is meant by "tonality" in music?

Tonality in music refers specifically to the arrangement of pitches around a central note, which is often referred to as the tonic. This concept defines the hierarchical relationships between notes in a scale, establishing a sense of home or resolution when returning to the tonic note. The tonality sets the framework for a piece of music, influencing its harmonic structure and emotional character. By organizing notes in this way, it allows for the creation of melodies and harmonies that have a sense of direction and coherence.

The other options address different aspects of music. Dynamics pertain to the volume and intensity of sound, which are crucial for expression but do not describe tonality. Similarly, tempo relates to how fast or slow a piece is played, affecting the overall feel but not the foundational pitch relationships. The number of performers refers to the arrangement of the musical forces used in a performance, which influences texture but does not pertain to tonal organization.