Topmusicanswers
No, breathing marks are not required. However, if it's important that breathing occurs at a specific place, then notate it. Especially if the location isn't intuitive. If you don't write breathing marks, players will generally aim for the end of a phrase.
- Why would a composer write breath marks in a piece of music?
- How do you mark your breath in music?
- How long can wind players hold their breath?
- Is a breath mark an articulation?
Why would a composer write breath marks in a piece of music?
A breath mark or luftpause is a symbol used in musical notation. It directs the performer of the music passage to take a breath (for wind instruments and vocalists) or to make a slight pause (for non-wind instruments).
How do you mark your breath in music?
Whether you call it a breath mark, luftpause, or comma, the symbol indicating a breath or slight pause is, uh, comma-n to see in notated music. The marking, according to Elaine Gould in her reference Behind Bars, should be placed “just before a subsequent note or barline.”
How long can wind players hold their breath?
Interestingly wind instrument playing may be associated with higher than expected lung function parameters. Popular saxophone player Kenny Gcan reportedly hold a note for up to 20 minutes. Other wind artists practice so-called "circular breathing" that allows them to inhale and exhale simultaneously.
Is a breath mark an articulation?
In Finale, a breath mark, or luftpause ( ), is an Articulation; see Articulations. When you create a breath mark using the Articulation Designer dialog box, you can use the H: and V: positioning text boxes to place it automatically just to the right of the note it's attached to.
