Dal segno al fine

As Printed on a Score

Printed at the end of a section (D.S. al Fine): go back to the sign 𝄋 — not to the beginning — and stop at Fine. The sign stands above the staff at the bar where the return begins.

Abbreviations: D.S. al Fine, D.S. al fine

How Composers Use It

Use it when the reprise should skip an introduction or the opening bars, as in the return of a march after its trio. Place Fine clearly, and write the music out if the reprise changes in any way. In parts, check that page turns do not make the jump awkward.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101, second movement (Lebhaft. Marschmäßig), m. 97: “D.S. al Fine” at f; “Fine” stands at m. 56.

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