Repeat signs

Repeat signs enclose a passage that is to be played more than once. If there is no left repeat sign, the right repeat sign sends you back to the start of the piece or the movement.

In this simple example (above), bar 1 opens with a repeat sign and bar 2 closes with a repeat sign. Repeat everything between the opening and closing signs, and then continue.

Listen to the repeat in operation.

When a repeat calls for a different ending, numbered brackets above the bars show which to play the first time (1.), and which to play the second time (2.). In this example, you play bars 1 and 2, then go back to the beginning. This time round you play bar 1, leave out bar 2 and continue to bar 3.

Listen to the example and compare it to the first example.