Which aspect of music does the term 'lento' specifically refer to?

The term 'lento' specifically refers to tempo, which indicates the speed at which a piece of music is played. In musical terminology, 'lento' translates to 'slowly' and signifies a slow tempo that can evoke certain emotions or atmospheres within the music. Tempo is a fundamental aspect of music that governs the pace and rhythm of a piece, making it essential for conveying the intended mood.

In this context, while dynamics relates to the volume of the music, articulation refers to how notes are executed (such as staccato or legato), and form pertains to the overall structure of the composition, none of these directly indicate the speed of the performance, which is precisely what 'lento' addresses. Thus, understanding 'lento' as a term related to tempo is crucial in performing and interpreting music accurately.