Topmusicanswers
Fermata is the Italian name for the sign (𝄐), which in English is commonly called a Pause, and signifies that the note over which it is placed should be held on beyond its natural duration. It is sometimes put over a bar or double bar, in which case it intimates a short interval of silence.
What is a pause mark?
Pause marks provide visual cues for the performer to better interpret the intention of the composer. Pause marks are directives for specific actions that are interpreted by the performer or directed by the conductor in an ensemble.
What do you call a short pause in music?
Music. In music, a caesura denotes a brief, silent pause, during which metrical time is not counted. Similar to a silent fermata, caesurae are located between notes or measures (before or over bar lines), rather than on notes or rests (as with a fermata).
