Several kinds of repeat
signs are
used to direct the performer to repeat the composition, or a section
of the composition. These signs are used to avoid writing
out long repeated passages.
The repeat sign consists of a double bar
with two dots placed at the beginning of a section to be repeated,
and then another double bar with two dots placed at the end.
repeat
signs
If the double dots are found only at the end, the piece is to be
repeated from the beginning.
The double dots can indicate the repeat of a section.
This melody would be performed as follows:
Measures:
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
5
6
7
8
9
10
Another repeat sign is a symbol indicating
the repeat of one or two measures. In patterns that are repeated
over and over, this method proves a time-saver for the composer.
music
written without measure repeat signs
music written
with measure repeat signs
Da
Capo
If the entire piece (or an entire section
of a piece) is to be repeated,Da Capo,
meaning "from the beginning" and abbreviated D.C.,
may be used.
Da Capo al fine(D.C.
al fine) directs the performer to go back to the
beginning but end where the music is marked with the Italian word
fine (which means "end").
This melody would be performed as follows:
Measures:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
Dal
Segno
Dal Segno(D.S.),
or Dal Segno al fine(D.S.
al fine), indicates a return to the sign . It is used when the repetition begins somewhere
other than at the beginning of the piece.
This melody would be performed as follows:
Measures:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3
4
First
and second endings
Sometimes, when music repeats, first and
second endings are used in order to save space. The first
ending, which has a repeat sign, is played only the first time through.
The second time through, the first ending is skipped over
and the second ending is played.