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
Apa arti Da Capo dalam musik?
From the head — repeat from the beginning of the piece. Abbreviated D.C.
Dari mana asal kata Da Capo?
Italian, ‘from the head’ — da (‘from’) + capo (‘head, beginning’), from Latin caput.
Bagaimana Da Capo dimainkan dalam praktiknya?
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.
Apa singkatan umum untuk Da Capo?
Da Capo umumnya disingkat sebagai D.C..
Istilah musik apa saja yang berkaitan dengan Da Capo?
Istilah terkait: 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.
Sight reading practice →Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano
