What is indicated by a breath mark in music notation?

A breath mark in music notation is represented by a symbol that looks like a comma or a small curved line. It specifically instructs the performer to take a brief pause to breathe, which allows for a more natural phrasing in the music. This pause can also create a slight break in the flow of the piece, helping to emphasize the musical phrasing, but the main function is to indicate where a musician, particularly vocalists or wind instrumentalists, might naturally take a breath. Understanding this helps performers interpret the music more expressively, maintaining the intended emotive quality of the performance.

The other options do not align with the symbol's purpose; playing a note louder pertains to dynamics and would typically involve a different marking in the notation, whereas a repeat sign or a directive to slow down the tempo would use specific symbols distinct from a breath mark. Therefore, recognizing the intended action related to a breath mark is vital for accurate and expressive performance.