Breathe

As Printed on a Score

Printed above a vocal or wind line (breathe, breath) or replaced by a breath mark, a comma or tick above the staff, at the point where a breath should be taken; it applies to that point only.

Also spelled: breath

How Composers Use It

Marking breaths lets you shape a long phrase deliberately rather than leaving the performer to break it at an awkward word or note. Place them where the music can spare a moment, and remember that a breath takes time: if no time should be lost, shorten the note before it in the notation.

Related Terms