What does "Da capo" or D.C. instruct a musician to do?

"Da capo," which translates from Italian to "from the head," instructs musicians to return to the beginning of the piece and play it again. This directive is commonly abbreviated as D.C. in musical scores.

The purpose of D.C. is to create a sense of repetition that can enhance the form of the music, often followed by a different ending known as "D.C. al Fine" or "D.C. al Coda," which indicates the player should continue to a specified point or coda after returning to the start.

Understanding this term is crucial for interpreting musical instructions correctly, as it affects the performance and overall structure of the piece. Therefore, the correct answer aligns perfectly with the definition and function of "Da capo."