Da Capo
Definition. From the head — repeat from the beginning of the piece. Abbreviated *D.C.*
Detailed Explanation
Da capo, abbreviated D.C., is Italian for ‘from the head’ — meaning ‘from the beginning’. As a notation direction it instructs the performer to repeat the music from the beginning of the piece. It is one of the most common formal markings in classical music.
The direction usually appears at the end of a section, with additional instructions specifying where to stop the repeat. D.C. al fine means ‘from the beginning, to fine’ (i.e., repeat from the beginning until reaching the marking ‘fine’). D.C. al coda means ‘from the beginning, to the coda symbol, then jump to the coda’.
The da capo aria — a vocal form with an A section, B section, and repeat of the A section — was a staple of Baroque opera. Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi wrote countless da capo arias, where the singer would ornament the repeated A section as an expressive elaboration.
Etymology
Italian, ‘from the head’ — da (‘from’) + capo (‘head, beginning’), from Latin caput.
In Practice
When you see D.C., return to the beginning. Don’t repeat any other instructions you encountered earlier (repeat signs are ignored on the second pass unless explicitly marked). The repeat continues until you reach a stopping point.
Notable Examples
- Bach — Various cantatas (extensive da capo arias)
- Handel — Operas (da capo aria as standard form)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Da Capo mean in music?
From the head — repeat from the beginning of the piece. Abbreviated D.C.
Where does the word Da Capo come from?
Italian, ‘from the head’ — da (‘from’) + capo (‘head, beginning’), from Latin caput.
How is Da Capo performed in practice?
When you see D.C., return to the beginning. Don’t repeat any other instructions you encountered earlier (repeat signs are ignored on the second pass unless explicitly marked). The repeat continues until you reach a stopping point.
What are common abbreviations for Da Capo?
Da Capo is commonly abbreviated as D.C..
What musical terms are related to Da Capo?
Related terms include: Dal Segno, D.C. al Fine, Fine, Segno.
Practice with Songtive's free tools
Hear this term applied — explore chord charts, fingerings and the music engine.
Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano
