Why do composers use fermatas?

A fermata means that a note serves as a temporary (or actual) ending and should be held for longer than its nominal value: the music is coming to a stop here.

1. Why are Fermatas used?
2. What does a fermata do in music?
3. What does an upside down fermata mean?

Why are Fermatas used?

A fermata (Italian: [ferˈmaːta]; "from fermare, to stay, or stop"; also known as a hold, pause, colloquially a birdseye or cyclops eye, or as a grand pause when placed on a note or a rest) is a symbol of musical notation indicating that the note should be prolonged beyond the normal duration its note value would ...

What does a fermata do in music?

Music. the sustaining of a note, chord, or rest for a duration longer than the indicated time value, with the length of the extension at the performer's discretion. a symbol  placed over a note, chord, or rest indicating a fermata.

What does an upside down fermata mean?

A fermata may also be considered a tempo command. A fermata is written upside down below the staff if it affects a lower plane of action (see top staff in image). If a fermata is written over a barline, there will be a pause between the measures.