Without taking breath

As Printed on a Score

Printed in brackets above a vocal or wind line at a point where a breath would be natural — a phrase end, a ritardando, a rest — and applies only to the join it marks.

Also spelled: without breath

How Composers Use It

Use it where the line must carry across a point that invites a breath: to bind a phrase across a slowing, or to keep words together. Check that the combined phrase can be sung or played in one breath at your tempo and dynamic, and give the performer a chance to breathe soon after.

Example

Chaminade, “Plaintes d’amour”, voice, m. 10: “(without taking breath.)”, printed in English in this edition, stands over a poco rit., with a tempo in the next bar; it returns at m. 24 and m. 38.

Related Terms