Meaning of "Repeat" in Music
In music, the term "repeat" refers to a notation or instruction that indicates a section of music should be played again. It is used to create structure, reinforce musical ideas, and provide a sense of familiarity and repetition within a composition. There are different types of repeat signs and symbols used in sheet music to indicate where the repetition should occur and how many times it should be played.
Repeat Signs and Symbols
The most common repeat sign is a double barline with two dots, one above and one below the middle line of the staff. This sign indicates that the section of music between the repeat signs should be played again. If there is only one repeat sign, it usually means to repeat from the beginning and then continue on (or stop, if the sign appears at the end of the piece). A corresponding sign facing the other way indicates where the repeat is to begin.
When a repeat calls for a different ending, numbered brackets above the bars indicate which ending to play the first time, second time, and so on if necessary. These are called "first-time bars" and "second-time bars," or "first and second endings". They are also known as "volta brackets".
Repeats and Endings
To determine how far back to go when repeating a section, there are two options. If there is a repeat sign facing the other way, you should go back to that repeat sign. If there is no repeat sign facing the other way, you should go back to the beginning and play from there. To enhance visibility and avoid missing repeat signs, you can add little highlights in pencil.
Other Terms Related to Repeating in Music
- In EDM, a repeated section is often called a "loop".- In some contemporary classical music, a repeated section may be referred to as an "iteration".- In the context of a composition, a repeating melody that is restated at the end is called a "recapitulation".
Conclusion
In summary, the term "repeat" in music refers to a notation or instruction that indicates a section of music should be played again. Repeat signs and symbols are used in sheet music to indicate where the repetition should occur and how many times it should be played. Repeating sections in music can create structure, reinforce musical ideas, and provide a sense of familiarity and repetition within a composition.
In some compositions the composer will call for the repeat of a certain notes (beats), measures or sections, meaning that these notes (beats), measures or sections should be performed again. These notes, measures or sections are indicated by repeat signs that are specific to each type of repeat.
1. Note (Beat) Repeat Sign:
The sign to designate the repeat of a note or beat of a measure is single slash, with the slash representing the repeat of a specific unit of time. As shown in the example below, the slash represents an entire beat (single note, multiple notes, or a chord). Eighth note patterns would also be represented by a single slash. If sixteenth note patterns are to be repeated, then two slashes must be used, thirty-second note patterns require three slashes, sixty-fourth note patterns require four slashes, and one hundred twenty-eighth note patterns require five slashes. Beats with mixed rhythmic values can be repeated with a double slash and two dots (shown below).
2. One-bar Repeat Sign:
The sign to designate the repeat of an entire measure is a single slash with two dots within the measure immediately after the measure to be repeated. A composer can use any number of one-bar repeat signs in a row, although after several one-bar repeat signs it becomes difficult for the performer to visually keep track of the number of repeats performed. Thus, it becomes necessary to indicate the number of the repeated measures by placing a number over the measure (often every two or four measures) (shown below).
3. Two-bar Repeat Signs:
The most common sign to designate the repeat of a two-measure phrase is a double slash with two dots on the bar line between the two measures immediately after the two measures to be repeated. The number two is typically centered over the sign, but is technically not required. A composer can use any number of two-bar repeat signs in a row. An alternate way to designate the repeat of a two-measure phrase is the use of word bis (meaning twice) centered in brackets over the phrase (shown below).
4. Section Repeat Sign:
A repeated section in a composition is designated with a repeat sign at the beginning and end of the section to be repeated. The repeat sign consists of two thick vertical barlines through the staff, with two dots, one between the second and third lines of the staff and one between the third and fourth line. The dots will be on the same side of the line as the material which is to be repeated. If there is no beginning sign, the section should be performed from the beginning of the composition or movement. The repeat signs signify one repetition of the section unless otherwise noted. The repeat can also be used in conjunction with first endings and second endings (prima volta, seconda volta) if only the last few measures of the section are different (shown below).
A rare alternate way to designate the repeat of a three or four-measure phrase is the use of word bis (meaning twice) centered in brackets over the phrase. This is the same as the two-bar repeat sign, only indicating more than two measures to be repeated (shown below).
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