da capo

American  

[dah kah-poh, dah kah-paw] / dɑ ˈkɑ poʊ, dɑ ˈkɑ pɔ /

adjective

1. repeated from the beginning (used as a musical direction).

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noun

1. a section of music that is to be repeated from the beginning.

da capo British  

/ dɑː ˈkɑːpəʊ /

adjective

1. music to be repeated (in whole or part) from the beginning

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Etymology

Origin of da capo

1715–25; < Italian: literally, from the head; da, chief

Example Sentences

The British soprano Lucy Crowe’s expertise and imagination in Baroque music gives her the freedom to turn da capo arias into feats of feeling.

From New York Times

In the da capo section — on the words “Shout! Shout!” — instead of letting them get louder, I now make it more internal.

From New York Times

One striking feature of Ms. Hallenberg’s artistry is her rare ability to transform a da capo aria into a musical and dramatic jewel.

From New York Times

He conducted himself, from the harpsichord, a five-piece instrumental ensemble, and he kept many of the da capo arias complete, with an eye to musical rather than dramatic integrity.

From Washington Post

Probably the whistler's stock was limited, and he repeated the piece, whatever it was, da capo ad libitum.

From Project Gutenberg