What is the musical term used to indicate a brief pause for breath?

The term describing a brief pause for breath in music is known as a breath mark. This notation provides performers with a visual cue indicating the ideal moment for singers or wind instrument players to take a breath during a piece, ensuring that the flow of the music remains seamless. The breath mark can be represented by a comma or a specific symbol, and its placement facilitates proper phrasing and expression in the performance.

The other terms listed refer to different aspects of musical expression. A double bar line signifies the end of a section in a composition, while a slur indicates a smooth connection between notes or phrases, suggesting that they should be played connectedly without interruption. Tenuto, on the other hand, indicates that a note should be held for its full value, adding a slight emphasis. Each of these terms plays a vital role in conveying the composer’s intentions, but they do not pertain to the act of taking a breath within a musical performance like a breath mark does.