whole rest
Definition
Noun: A whole rest is a symbol in musical notation that indicates a silence or pause lasting for the entire duration of a whole measure in common time (4/4 time signature). It is equal in length to four beats of silence.
Usage
The whole rest is placed on the musical staff to instruct the performer not to play for the full measure. Its duration is fixed relative to the time signature.
Examples
- In the first measure of the piece, there is a whole rest, so the pianist waits for four full beats before beginning to play.
- The composer used a whole rest to create a moment of complete silence, adding dramatic effect.
- When counting the rhythm, remember that a whole rest receives four full counts of silence in 4/4 time.
Advanced Usage
- In time signatures other than 4/4, a whole rest typically signifies a rest for the entire measure, regardless of the number of beats. For example, in 3/4 time, a whole rest would indicate three beats of silence, occupying the whole bar.
- The whole rest is drawn as a small, solid rectangle hanging down from the fourth line of the staff.
Variants and Related Words
- Rest (n.): The general category of symbols indicating silence in music. Other types include half rest, quarter rest, and eighth rest.
- Measure Rest: Another term sometimes used for a whole rest, emphasizing that it fills a complete measure.
Synonyms
- Semibreve rest (primarily used in British English terminology).
Related Symbols
- Whole note: The note (typically an open oval note head) that corresponds to the whole rest in duration, representing four beats of sound instead of silence.
Noun
-
a musical rest equal in duration to four beats in common time
