Fig 1: symbol for a fermata.

Fermata
A symbol that directs a musician to hold a note or rest for an unspecified period of time.

[Example 1: Haydn: Symphony No.104 in D major, mvt 1, Introduction: CD4034]

Also known as a "hold" or "pause," a fermata is a symbol in musical notation that directs a musician to continue a note or rest for an unspecified period of time beyond its usual duration. A note that lasts one beat, for example, may continue for two, three, or more beats if a fermata is added to it. But that is not to say that it should last for a multiple of that beat exactly. Indeed, the whole point is that the music comes to a halt momentarily (like a clock that stops ticking), then restarts. If you were watching an orchestral performance, you would notice that the conductor's baton ceases to beat time for the brief period of a fermata.

The opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony offers a good illustration of how a fermata works. A fermata is used on its fourth and eighth notes. Listen first to what the passage sounds like if the fermatas (F) are ignored:

[Example 2: Beethoven, Symphony No. 5: opening played on keyboad in strict time.]

Fig 2: Bruno Walter.

Note that, even without the fermata, notes 4 and 8 are already longer than the other notes: - 1 1 1 4 - 1 1 1 8 - 1 1 1 ...

Here is a performance that observes both fermatas:

[Example 3: Beethoven, Symphony No. 5: opening performed by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra, conductor Bruno Walter, conductor: CD2343.]

The duration of the fermata can be longer or shorter depending on the taste of the musician. Both fermatas in Example 3 are held for six seconds. The following performance, on the other hand, holds the first fermata for three seconds and the second fermata for four seconds:

Fig 3: Arturo Toscanini.

Summary:

• A fermata is a symbol that directs the musician to hold a note or rest for an unspecified period of time beyond its usual duration.
• The duration of a fermata depends on the taste of the musician.

Copyright © Columbia University, Visual & Sound Materials from the Gabe M. Wiener Music & Arts Library of Columbia University
Fermata written by: Michael Von der Linn Recording & Mixing: Christopher Bailey	Narration: Annalisa Poirel Technology & Design: Maurice Matiz