Segno

As Printed on a Score

The sign 𝄋, an S slashed and dotted, is printed above the staff where a dal segno repeat begins. The word appears in instructions such as D.S., dal segno and al segno, and inside a direction the sign itself may stand in for the word.

How Composers Use It

Use a segno when a reprise should start somewhere other than the beginning — after an introduction, at the return of a theme. One segno per piece is clearest; if you need two, distinguish them. Place it at the start of a bar, above the top staff of the score and in every part.

Example

Beethoven, Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60, third movement, flute, m. 183: “Scherzo da capo dal” followed by the sign itself in place of the word.

Related Terms