Pause

As Printed on a Score

Seen in compounds and phrases more than alone: Generalpause (G.P.), Viertelpause (quarter rest), lange Pause, “(folgt lange Pause.)” at the end of a movement. In German, Pause means a measured rest or a break between sections; a hold on a note is a Fermate.

How Composers Use It

Silence is part of rhythm, and German composers label unusual silences explicitly: a Generalpause stops the whole orchestra, a long Pause between movements tells the conductor not to go on at once. If you want a timed break, write it in measures or seconds; a word alone leaves its length to the performers.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, second movement, basses, m. 576: “(folgt lange Pause.)” — a long pause follows — after “Tutti. pizz.” at ppp.

Related Terms