fermata

Definition: A fermata is an articulation mark that allows a note or chord to be held for as long as desired. 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.

Also Known As:

• bird’s eye; hold
• corona (It)
• point d’orgue (Fr)
• Fermate (Ger)
• calderón (Sp)

Pronunciation: fer-mah'-duh (U.S.), fer-mah'-tah





More Musical Symbols:

• staccato
• F-clef
• (M.D.) mano destra
• tie
• 8va