The bows have fallen still, yet the four musicians remain connected by a shared sense of time. The phrase has not reached its conclusion; in the silence, the expectation of its continuation remains, and the next note will draw part of its meaning from this brief moment of waiting. THE TERM IN BRIEF Rest Measured silence in music Core meaning A defined duration of silence for a musical voice or instrument, and the sign that represents it. Terminology Rest denotes a notated silent duration. In English, pause can also mean a fermata. Rhythmic role Occupies time and contributes to a rhythmic pattern even when no note sounds. Scope May concern one voice, a group of instruments, or the entire ensemble. Notation Specific symbols for different values, with additional conventions for whole-bar and multibar rests. Expressive role Shapes phrasing, brings other voices forward, delays a continuation, or creates the expectation of an ending. Essential distinction A rhythmic rest, a ferma...