Fine
Definition. End — a marking indicating where to end the piece during a D.C. or D.S. repeat.
Detailed Explanation
Fine, Italian for ‘end’, is a marking placed in the score to indicate where the piece should end during a da capo or dal segno repeat. On the first pass through the music, the fine marking is ignored; on the repeat (after D.C. or D.S.), the music ends at the fine marking rather than continuing.
The marking is essential for ABA-form pieces where the repeat would otherwise continue past the desired ending. By placing fine at the end of the A section, the composer ensures that on the repeat (D.C. al fine), the music stops at the close of A rather than continuing into B again.
Without the fine marking, the performer would have no way to know where to stop the repeat. The combination D.C. al fine + fine marking is one of the most common formal devices in classical music.
Etymology
Italian, ‘end’, from Latin finis.
In Practice
Note the location of fine on the first pass through the music. On the repeat, stop at fine rather than continuing. The marking is not active on the first pass.
Notable Examples
- Most composers — ABA-form pieces (ubiquitous formal marking)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Qué significa Fine en música?
End — a marking indicating where to end the piece during a D.C. or D.S. repeat.
¿De dónde viene la palabra Fine?
Italian, ‘end’, from Latin finis.
¿Cómo se interpreta Fine en la práctica?
Note the location of fine on the first pass through the music. On the repeat, stop at fine rather than continuing. The marking is not active on the first pass.
¿Qué términos musicales se relacionan con Fine?
Términos relacionados: Da Capo, D.C. al Fine, Coda.
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