What does 'natural' signify in musical notation?

In musical notation, a 'natural' sign is used to cancel any previous accidentals, such as sharps or flats, that may have been applied to the note. When a note has been sharpened or flattened earlier in the piece, placing a natural sign before that note resets it to its original pitch, which is the pitch of the note in its unaltered state. This means the note will sound as it normally would without any alterations, effectively reinstating its natural form.

This function of the natural sign is crucial for maintaining clarity in the music. It ensures performers understand how to play the note correctly, especially in compositions where changes in pitch occur frequently. The ability to clear an accidental is essential for accurate interpretation of the music.