What does "fermata" indicate in sheet music?

The term "fermata" in sheet music signifies that the performer should hold a note or rest longer than its usual duration. This symbol, typically indicated by a dot beneath a curved line placed over a note or rest, encourages the musician to pause and extend the sound or silence. This can add expressive depth to a piece of music, allowing for emphasis and interpretation. The fermata gives the performer artistic freedom in deciding how long to hold the note or rest, often depending on the musical context and their personal interpretation.

The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of "fermata": playing a note softly relates to dynamics, repeating a note concerns rhythmic patterns, and changing the pitch pertains to musical intervals or techniques such as slides or bends. Therefore, the understanding of "fermata" as a signal to hold a note or rest longer than usual is essential for effective musical performance.