Fermata

A fermata is an element of Musical notation indicating that the note should be sustained for longer than the printed note would indicate. Exactly how much longer it is held is up to the discretion of the performer, but twice as long is not unusual. It is usually printed above, but occasionally below, the note that is to be held longer. Also called a hold.

In Chorale arrangements by Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers of his period, the fermata often only signifies the end of a phrase, where a breath is to be taken. In a few organ compositions, the fermatas occur in different measures for the right and left hand, and for the feet, which would make holding them impractical.