What term describes a sudden, sharp accent in music?

The term that describes a sudden, sharp accent in music is sforzando. Sforzando indicates a strong emphasis or a burst of sound on a specific note or chord, producing a striking dynamic contrast in the music. It is not merely about playing louder; rather, it is about the suddenness and intensity of the accent, which adds dramatic flair to the performance.

In contrast, forte refers to playing loudly and does not imply the sudden sharpness of attack that sforzando conveys. Legato means to play smoothly and connectedly, without the pronounced breaks that sforzando would require. Piano indicates a soft volume, which is the opposite of the powerful accent created by sforzando. Thus, sforzando is specifically the term that captures the essence of a sudden, sharp accent in music.