rest

1 Musical silence.

2 Notation of absence of sound in performer's part for a length of time corresponding to a given number of beats or measures, e.g. 4 measures' rest or an 8th‐note rest. Notation of rests is as shown:

The 𝅝 rest hangs down; the 𝅗𝅥 rest remains on the surface. (Imagine the rest of greater value is the heavier.)

The 𝅘𝅥 rest turns to the right (mnemonic: cRotchet—Right; or quaRter Note—Right); the 𝅘𝅥𝅮 rest 𝄾 turns to the left.

In addition to the above there is the double‐note rest, occupying the whole space between two lines—𝄺.

Also, the whole‐note rest is used as a whole‐measure rest, irrespective of the actual time‐value of the measure.

A silence of several measures is often indicated thus (or in some similar way):Rests can be dotted and doubly dotted, as notes are, and with the same effect: this, however, is less commonly done.

See also note values.