What does a fermata indicate regarding timing in a performance?

A fermata serves as a symbol in musical notation that instructs the performer to hold a note or rest for longer than its typical duration. This duration is at the discretion of the performer or conductor and can vary depending on the musical context and expressive intent. When a fermata appears over a note, it signifies that this particular note or rest should be sustained, allowing for a moment of suspension or emphasis within the piece.

In performance, the singer or instrumentalist may decide how long to hold the note, often extending it until they feel it is musically satisfying before moving on. The use of a fermata adds dramatic effect and can communicate emotion, making it a powerful tool in interpretation.