What does 'fermata' direct a musician to do with a note?

A fermata is a symbol placed over a note or rest that instructs the musician to hold the note or rest longer than its typical duration. This extension allows the performer to emphasize the note or rest, drawing attention and creating a pause in the musical flow.

In a performance context, the duration of the held note can be at the discretion of the performer or conductor, usually indicated by gestures, resulting in an interpretive pause that enhances the musical expression. The nature of the fermata encourages a moment of intensity or reflection before moving on to the next musical idea.

The other options do not align with the function of a fermata. For instance, playing a note staccato involves a short, detached manner, which contradicts the sustained quality indicated by a fermata. Similarly, repeating a note immediately does not apply, as it does not involve holding it longer, nor does playing soft (piano) relate to the extended nature of a fermata. Thus, the accurate understanding of a fermata is that it directs the musician to hold the note longer, creating a significant pause in the music.