First time

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a first-ending bracket (1., 1st time) or as a direction (1st time p), applying to the first pass through a repeated passage; on the next pass the second-time instruction takes over.

Abbreviations: 1st time

How Composers Use It

Use first-time instructions when a repeated passage changes on its second pass: a softer first statement, an instrument that waits for the repeat, a simpler first version. Give each pass its own clear instruction, especially for dynamics or tacet. Endings with different notes need brackets; a change of manner only needs words, placed where the player will see them before the passage starts.

Example

Viardot, “Les filles de Cadix”, voice, m. 82: “(1st time p)” and “(2nd time with all the voice)” are the edition’s English for her “la 1° fois” and “la 2° avec toute la voix” in m. 81.

Related Terms