fermata types

theoryfair-MAH-tah typesfrom Italian

Variations of the fermata symbol that indicate different durations and characters of pause

In Depth

The standard fermata (a dot beneath an arc) indicates a held note of indefinite duration at the performer's discretion. The long fermata (a square shape) indicates a particularly extended hold. The short fermata (a triangular shape) indicates a brief extension, roughly half as long as a standard fermata. In orchestral music, the conductor controls the fermata's length. In solo music, the performer chooses. Fermatas at cadences may include a brief silence before continuing. The grand pause (G.P.) is a fermata over a rest, creating a dramatic silence.

Did you know?

In jazz, a fermata over the last chord of a piece is sometimes called a railroad tracks fermata because the symbol resembles a bird's eye view of train tracks.

Related Terms

fermata Luftpause

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