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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A written duration of silence in music is called a rest. If you mean a mark that lengthens time, the term may be fermata; a marked break or cutoff in the musical flow is a caesura.
What a rest means in a score
A rest is a notated span of silence. Like a note, it takes up musical time, and its symbol indicates its duration. The Open University explains that the shape of the rest symbol determines its length: Understanding musical scores: Week 2: 2.3.
Rest names identify rhythmic values, such as a quarter rest, half rest, or whole rest. The number of beats represented by a named rest depends on the score’s meter and context, so the name alone does not set one universal beat count. A dot after a rest adds half of that rest’s original duration, according to the Open University’s An introduction to music theory: 4.1 Values and dots.
Rest, fermata, and caesura: what is the difference?
| Term | What it indicates | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | A notated duration of silence | Ordinary measured silence in a score |
| Fermata | A note, chord, or rest prolonged beyond its written value at the performer’s discretion | An expressive hold or pause |
| Caesura | A break or cutoff in the musical flow | A marked interruption or structural break |
The University of Chicago Gray Center defines a fermata as “a prolongation at the discretion of the performer of a musical note, chord, or rest beyond its given time value” (What is a Fermata?). A fermata therefore does not always mean silence: it can prolong a sounding note or chord. Open Music Theory also distinguishes the fermata’s hold from a caesura, which marks a break or musical cutoff: Other Aspects of Notation.
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Best Value
- Format: Book & 2 CDs
- Category: Textbook - General
- Contributors: By Andrew Surmani, Karen Farnum Surmani, and Morton Manus
- Pub Date: 8/2004
- Series: Essentials of Music Theory
Rank #3
- Designed For Students Of Any Age.
- Provides A Better Understanding Of The Language Of Music.
- Learn The Essentials With Lessons And Exercises.
- Offers A Review Section At Each Ending To Test Your Knowledge.
Rank #2
- An all-in-one music theory course designed for students of any age — whether listeners or performers — who want a solid understanding of the language of music
- Covers foundational concepts including staff, notes, pitches, clefs, time signatures, note values, dynamics, flats, sharps, and whole and half steps across 25 concise lessons
- Combines reading and writing exercises with ear-training support (CDs sold separately) and unit reviews to reinforce learning and test knowledge retention
- Compatible with optional computer software featuring randomized drilling and scorekeeping for interactive, self-paced study
- Part of a complete product line including Teacher's Answer Keys, Flash Cards, Double Bingo games, and Reproducible Teacher's Activity Kits for studio and classroom use
#1 Best Overall
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