What does the term 'coda' refer to in music?

The term 'coda' refers specifically to a concluding section of a piece of music that typically reaffirms the tonic key. It serves as a way to provide closure and resolution to the musical work, often after the main themes have been presented and explored. The coda may summarize themes or motifs introduced earlier in the piece, solidifying the sense of completion for the listener.

In the context of musical structure, the coda can also serve to extend the piece, creating a final statement that reinforces the emotional and thematic elements of the composition. This aspect distinguishes it from other musical forms or components, such as chamber music, development sections, or elements of sonata form, which serve different roles within the context of a composition.