da capo
An instruction to return to the beginning of the piece. Abbreviated as D.C.
In Depth
Da capo (D.C.) means from the head and instructs the performer to return to the very beginning of the piece. It is often paired with al fine (to the end) or al coda (to the coda sign), telling the performer where to stop on the repeat.
The da capo aria was the dominant vocal form in Baroque opera and oratorio. Its ABA structure allowed singers to ornament the repeated A section, demonstrating their skill and musicianship. While the literal repeat has fallen out of fashion in modern composition, the structural principle of return remains fundamental to musical form.
In Baroque opera, the da capo repeat was the singer's chance to show off — the second time through was heavily ornamented, and the best singers could make the melody unrecognisable.