Types of fermatas

There are different types of fermatas available in Dorico Pro. Each fermata indicates a suggested pause duration whilst leaving room for interpretation.

Fermata

Description

Very short fermata

Indicates that a note is held only a fraction longer than the rhythm indicates.

Short fermata

Indicates that a note is held a little bit longer than the rhythm indicates.

Short fermata (Henze)

Indicates that a note is held a little bit longer than the rhythm indicates, as used by Hans Werner Henze.

Fermata

Indicates that a note is held for longer than the rhythm indicates.

Long fermata

Indicates that a note is held quite a lot longer than the rhythm indicates.

Long fermata (Henze)

Indicates that a note is held quite a lot longer than the rhythm indicates, as used by Hans Werner Henze.

Very long fermata

Indicates that a note is held for much longer than the rhythm indicates.

Curlew (Britten)

Indicates that a note or rest is held until the next synchronization point in asynchronous music, as used by Benjamin Britten.

Fermatas can be divided into two styles. Because their meanings overlap, it can be confusing for players if both styles are used in a single project.

Style

Very short fermata

Short fermata

Fermata

Long fermata

Very long fermata

Normal

Henze

N/A

N/A