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Da capo is an Italian word found in music that is translated as “from the head/beginning”. You will often see it as the abbreviation D.C. written just above the stave as part of a phrase such as DC al Fine.
In music, it is a simple direction that means that you should repeat the piece of music from the beginning. However, there are 3 different variations on where you should go/stop after this as follows:
- DC al Fine
- DC al Segno
- DC al Coda
Let’s have a look at each of these in turn.
DC al FineD.C. al fine is an extension that means “from the head/beginning to the end”. It is an abbreviation of Da capo al fine (“Da capo” means “From the Head” and “al fine” means “to the end”).
It is a very simple instruction – D.C. al Fine means that you should repeat the piece of music from the beginning until you reach the word “Fine”.
Have a look/listen to this example of it in the context of the following piece:
DC al Fine ExampleDC al SegnoThe 2nd variation of the phrase is also really simple.
You will also sometimes come across the phrase “D.C. al Segno” or “Da Capo al Segno”. This means that you should repeat the music from the beginning (D.C./Da capo), but this time you carry on playing until you reach the following sign (Segno):
DC al CodaThe 3rd variation of the phrase is a little more complicated.
“D.C. al Coda” (Da Capo al Coda) instructs a performer to repeat the music from the beginning of the piece (Da Capo) until they reach an instruction that says “al Coda” or “To Coda” or the following coda symbol:
At this point, the performer should jump to the point in the music where the word “Coda” or the 2nd coda symbol is written. The coda (literally translated as “the tail”) is an ending section that composers sometimes write and is played to finish off a piece of music.
Have a look/listen to this example:
DC al Coda ExampleDa Capo AriaThe Da Capo Aria was an extremely popular form of composition found in operas and oratorios, particularly in the Baroque period.
Written in ternary form and sung by a soloist with instrumental accompaniment, the da capo arias consisted of 2 contrasting sections.
At the end of the second section the performers would repeat the first section again. However, the singer would often add in ornaments and embellishments during the repeat of this 1st section.
Have a look/listen to this example called “He was despised” from G.F. Handel’s Messiah.
The gentle A section clearly contrasts with the much more dramatic B section. You can also hear the embellishments added in the repeat of the A section in this wonderful performance by Jake Jozef Orlinski:
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The First Noel (also called “First Nowell”) is a traditional Cornish Christmas carol. I have put together 3 piano versions for you to learn depending on you level – an easy version, an intermediate version and a challenging version taken from my Christmas piano album “10 Christmas Carols”. Have a look/listen to the piece below and then choose which version you would like to download and learn: The First Noel Easy Piano Sheet Music The easy piano version is based on a melody line in the right hand with a simple bass line in the left hand. It is worth
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Ding Dong Merrily on High is a beautiful 16th century French tune that remains a much loved Christmas carol. This piano arrangement of it is in theme and variations form. Have a look/listen to it below: I hope you enjoy learning it! Ding Dong Merrily on High Sheet Music Click Here to Download Ding Dong Merrily on High sheet music This piano arrangement of Ding Dong Merrily on High is based on a theme and variations structure. The theme is played at the beginning of the piece and then varied through a number of different variations. The piano music is
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The Holly and the Ivy is a beautiful tradition Christmas folk song that is very popular. I hope you enjoy learning this piano arrangement. Have a look/listen to it below and then download the sheet music. Enjoy learning! The Holly and The Ivy Sheet Music This piano arrangement is written in a simple key (C major). However, there are a number of challenging techniques, including the use of the sustain pedal and the combination of long octave notes with alternating quavers in the right hand during the middle section. It is certainly worth listening to the arrangement on the video
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O Come all Ye Faithful is one of the most popular Christmas carols. You will hear it sung at most carol services at Christmas. I have put together 2 different piano versions for you to enjoy learning. There is an easy version and a more challenging arrangement. Both of them are based on the traditional tune (usually attributed to John Francis Wade). O Come all Ye Faithful sheet music Have a look/listen to this recording of the arrangement taken from my album “10 Christmas Carols” and then choose whether you would like to learn the easy version or the more
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In the Bleak Midwinter is a beautiful Christmas carol based on a poem by Christina Rossetti. There are 2 tunes that the words are typically set to – the more well known one sung by congregations across the globe is by Gustav Holst (called “Cranham”), but there is another less well known melody by Harold Darke. This piano arrangement is based on the Holst version of In The Bleak Midwinter. It is taken from my album “10 Christmas Carols” – I hope you enjoy learning it! Have a look/listen to the piece below and then click on the link underneath
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This reflective piano piece called “A Time to Heal” is taken from my album “A Time for Everything“. Have a listen to the track below (on Spotify) and then click on the link underneath the score to download the sheet music for FREE. I hope you enjoy learning to play it! Download Ben Dunnett A Time To Heal Sheet Music
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What is Middle C? Middle C is the 4th C note from the left hand side of a standard 88-key piano (the 5th C from the right hand side) and is commonly tuned to 256 Hz. It is referred to as C4 in scientific pitch notation, is note number 60 in the MIDI protocol and is located on the 1st fret of the 2nd string on a guitar. Middle C sounds like this on a piano: Middle C Note Why is Middle C so important? Middle C is the starting point for many people in their musical journey on a
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What is an Idée Fixe? Idée fixe (French for “fixed idea”) is a term used by Berlioz in his Symphonic Fantastique and other pieces to describe a recurring theme in a piece of music that depicts a person or emotion – it is effectively the composition technique that is more commonly known as a leitmotif. The Idée Fixe in Symphonie Fantastique Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique (1830) is an orchestral work inspired by Berlioz’s unrequited love for an an Irish actress Harriet Smithson (whom he later married!). The idée fixe is a melody that portrays his love for the actress and it
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Leitmotif Definition A leitmotif is a short recurring musical phrase or theme that represents a person, thing or idea throughout a piece of music. A leitmotif typically takes the form of a short melodic idea, but can also be a rhythm or a harmonic progression. The Use of Leitmotifs Leitmotifs reappear at various points during a piece whenever the associated person, thing or idea is presented. The original idea is often developed through changes in harmony, rhythm or instrumentation. It is technique used readily in film scoring. For example, in the film “Jaws” the presence of the shark is indicated
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What is a Tritone? A tritone is an interval of 3 tones (whole steps) or 6 semitones (half steps) that sounds particularly dissonant. It can be either expressed as the interval of an augmented 4th or a diminished 5th depending on the context. History of the Tritone Legend has it that the interval was banned in medieval times in sacred singing as it was seen as “The Devil’s Interval” due to its unnerving and sinister sound. It gained the nickname “Diabolus in musica” – the devil in music. Whilst there seems to be very little evidence to support the view
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A hemiola is a rhythmic device that involves superimposing 2 notes in the time of 3 – there are 2 types you will come across – horizontal hemiola and vertical hemiola. Horizontal Hemiola A horizontal hemiola occurs in a piece written in triple time where the music is suddenly changed to “feel” like it has altered from triple time (counting in 3’s) to duple time (counting in 2’s) without any alteration of the time signature. Here is a short phrase written in triple time: Triple Time Example You can see and hear how the beats are counted in three’s. However,
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Enharmonic equivalents describe notes, intervals, key signatures or chords that share the same pitches, but have different names depending on the musical context. For example, the black note on a keyboard just to the right of C natural can be written as C sharp or D flat: Enharmonic Equivalents Example The note sounds the same, but can be named differently. So, C sharp and D flat would be described as an enharmonic equivalent. Enharmonic Equivalent Notes An Enharmonic Equivalent note is one which has more than one pitch name (as in the example above). The obvious notes are the black
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Learn how to draw a Bass Clef quickly with this step by step guide. A Bass Clef looks really tricky to draw when you first look at it, but it is actually much easier than drawing a Treble Clef. Here are 3 steps for you to follow: Step 1 Draw a dot on the 4th line up of the staff. This line of the staff is going to become the note “F” below middle C once we have drawn the Bass Clef – hence why it is also known as the “F clef”. Step 2 Draw in a circular motion
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Learning how to draw a treble clef is a very important skill to have if you are wanting to write music by hand. At first glance, a treble clef looks like a really complicated symbol to draw, but it is actually quite easy if you follow this 3 step process and put in a little bit of practice! Have a look at this quick video lesson showing you how to do it: How To Draw a Treble Clef – Easy 3 Step Method Step 1 Start with your pen/pencil on the second line up of the staff (this line is
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What is a pentatonic scale? A Pentatonic scale is a scale with 5 notes (from the Greek word ‘pente’ meaning 5). The easiest way to play one is to play the 5 black notes on a piano one after each other – if you do this, you will have played a pentatonic scale. Pentatonic Scale Black Notes You can hear how the scale has a characteristic sound. It is a sound that is very evocative of traditional music from China and other Southeast Asian countries. Pentatonic Scales are characteristic of some of the oldest forms of music discovered from c.
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A secondary dominant chord is an altered chord (has at least one accidental) that has a dominant relationship to another chord that is not the tonic of the piece of music. Composers started to use secondary dominant chords in the Baroque period and they became increasingly popular in the Classical and Romantic periods. They are still a popular tool for modern day composers. Secondary Dominant Chords Explained Let’s have a look at an example to help us understand these chords. If a piece of music is in C major then the dominant chord (chord V) is G (when this chord
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Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most famous pieces of the Baroque period and remains extremely popular amongst performers and audiences to this day. Air on the G String Piano Arrangement Air on the G String Piano Download Air on the G String Easy Piano Sheet Music PDF The piece is the second movement of five from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major (BWV 1068). The movements are Overture, Air, Gavottes I and II, Bourrée and Gigue. This arrangement for easy piano is in C major, has a slow tempo and
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The chromatic Scale consists of 12 notes – each note is separated from the next by the interval of a semitone (or half step). It can be described as either “ascending” or “descending” depending on the direction of movement. Here is the chromatic scale (both ascending and descending) beginning on C: Chromatic Scale on C The chromatic scale is very different to the major and minor keys scales in that it does not have a tonic. It doesn’t matter which note you begin on, the chromatic scale will always include the same 12 notes! In this next example, you can
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A perfect fourth is an interval of 5 semitones (half steps) between 2 notes. For example, if you play middle C on the piano followed by the F above it then you will have played a perfect 4th interval: Perfect Fourth Piano Example The F is 5 semitones higher than the C and so the interval is described as a perfect fourth. This can be repeated on any starting note of the chromatic scale. For example, if you play a G sharp on the piano and count up 5 semitones you will reach C sharp – this interval is also
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A perfect fifth is an interval of seven semitones (half steps) between 2 notes. For example, if you play a C on the piano followed by the G above it then you will have just played an example of a perfect fifth: Perfect Fifth Piano Example The G is 7 semitones higher than the C and so the interval is described as a perfect 5th. You can do the same starting on any note. For example, if you find an F sharp on the piano… count up 7 semitones and you will reach a C sharp. The interval between the
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The prelude no 1 in c major by JS Bach is one of the most popular pieces of classical music. It is the first piece from his Well Tempered Clavier Book I and is a wonderful demonstration of the harmonic mastery of Bach. You can download and print of a FREE copy of the sheet music by clicking on the link below the scores. Bach Prelude in C major Sheet Music Play Prelude in C major by Bach Download Bach prelude in C major Sheet Music PDF This is a fantastic piece to learn on the piano for a number
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This reflective piano piece called “Solace” is taken from my album “11 Pieces on the Piano“. Have a listen to the track below (on Spotify) and then click on the link underneath the score to download the sheet music for FREE. I hope you enjoy learning to play it!
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This melancholic piano piece called “A Time to Mourn” is taken from my album “A Time For Everything“. Have a listen to the track below (on Soundcloud or Spotify) and then click on the link underneath the score to download the sheet music for FREE. I hope you enjoy learning to play it! Ben Dunnett · A Time To Mourn Click HERE to Download A Time To Mourn Piano Sheet music
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Ostinato Music Definition Ostinato (plural – ostinati or ostinatos) is an Italian word meaning obstinate or persistent and is used in music to describe a musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently. The repeated pattern could be a melody, a figure in the bass – called a basso ostinato or simply a repeated rhythmic idea. An ostinato may be played for an entire piece of music or just during one section. The key aspect to remember in the definition of an ostinato is that it is a pattern that is repeated persistently in a piece of music. Rhythmic Ostinato
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Pachelbel Canon in D Pachalbel’s Canon is one of the most famous pieces of classical music that has become a fixture at many weddings and in the playlists of classical radio stations around the world in recent decades. The Canon in D was written by the German composer Johann Pachelbel (1653-1796) during the Baroque period. Also known as Canon and Gigue in D, the piece was originally written in approximately 1680 for 3 violins and continuo. It is great to learn how to play the canon in D on the piano as it will be very popular with people if
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Fur Elise easy piano Fur Elise is one of the most famous and recognisable pieces of classical piano music. Composed in approximately 1810 by Ludwig van Beethoven, it has been a popular piece for piano players to learn for over 200 years! I have put together 3 different piano arrangements for you to have a go at learning depending on your level of experience: Fur Elise Easy Piano Version Intermediate version Full version of the original manuscript Fur Elise easy sheet music Fur Elise Easy Piano Version Click Here to Download Fur Elise Easy Piano Sheet Music PDF The easy
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Happy Birthday Piano Notes Happy Birthday is a great piece to learn to play on the piano because you can have lots of fun playing it at various different parties and leading people in singing it. I have put together 2 different arrangements. There is an easy piano sheet music version which you should be able to have a go at learning even if you are quite early on in your piano learning journey. I have also arranged a version of Happy Birthday for intermediate piano which is slightly more challenging. Hope you enjoy learning them!
Happy Birthday Piano Easy Version Happy Birthday Easy Piano Version
Download Happy Birthday Easy Version I have kept the notes of the easy piano version as simple as possible.
The key signature is in F major (one flat – B flat).
This is a good key to learn to play Happy Birthday in because the melody will be at a pitch range that most people (male and female) can sing. The choice of key is a really important thing to consider when learning to play any piece that people are going to sing along with – you don’t want to spend a long time learning a piece to find that it is far too high for anyone to be able to sing!!
The time signature is 3/4 so there are 3 quarter note (crotchet) beats in every bar. However, there is an upbeat as the melody starts on the last beat of the bar.
The right hand notes follow the melody line.
The right hand can remain in its starting position for all of the 1st line. It is only when you get to the first note of the second line “birth” that you need to stretch to place your 5th finger on the top C note.
The left hand Happy Birthday notes in this arrangement are also very simple.
You can keep your left hand in its starting position for the whole piece. Make sure you watch out for the B flat in Bar 6 (it is easy to forget the key signature at this point and try to play a B natural by mistake!).
There is a pause (fermata) symbol on the second beat of bar 6. When performing the song remember to pause at this point to build up for a big finale – this will certainly encourage people to sing loudly!
Intermediate Piano Version Happy Birthday Intermediate Piano Version
Click Here to Download Happy Birthday Intermediate Piano Sheet Music The intermediate piano version of Happy Birthday is also in F major, but I have added an extra harmony line to the right hand part to add a bit more interest.
The fingering is quite tricky at times and I have added some suggestions. You may find that you want to slightly change the fingering I have written depending on what works best for you.
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Still Still Still is a beautiful carol that originated in Austria in the 19th century. I have arranged and performed this with several choirs and it is always a favourite! I am sure that you will enjoy playing this fairly simple piano sheet music arrangement.
Still Still Still Piano Sheet Music Still Still Still Piano Version
Click Here to Download Still Still Still Piano Sheet music PDF The arrangement is in the key of D major (2 sharps – F sharp and C sharp).
The melody line is reasonably simple, but the fingering does take a bit of time to master. The key aspect to work on is to try to get the top line of the right hand part to “sing out” as the melody line whilst the other notes of the right hand act as an accompaniment.
I have kept the left hand very simple – it effectively acts as a gentle bass part that anchors the sound.
The piece does have lyrics that are in German and I have added an interlude that works nicely between the verses. This will be particularly helpful if you want to play and sing the carol as a solo or with a group of singers.
Still Still Still Lyrics The lyrics to Still Still Still are in German by Georg Götsch (I have included the English translation of the 1st 2 verses below them):
Still, still, still, weil ‘s Kindlein schlafen will.
Maria tut es niedersingen,
ihre keusche Brust darbringen.
Still, still, still, weil ‘s Kindlein schlafen will.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, mein liebes Kindlein, schlaf!
Die Englein tun schön musizieren,
vor dem Kripplein jubilieren.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, mein liebes Kindlein, schlaf!
Groß, groß, groß, die Lieb’ ist übergroß.
Gott hat den Himmelsthron verlassen
und muss reisen auf den Straßen.
Groß, groß, groß, die Lieb’ ist übergroß.
Auf, auf, auf, ihr Adamskinder auf!
Fallet Jesum all’ zu Füßen,
weil er für uns d’Sünd tut büßen!
Auf, auf, auf, ihr Adamskinder auf!
Wir, wir, wir, wir rufen all’ zu dir:
Tu uns des Himmels Reich aufschließen,
wenn wir einmal sterben müssen.
Wir, wir, wir, wir rufen all’ zu dir.
English Translation of Verses 1 and 2:
Still, still, still, He sleeps this night so chill.
The Virgin’s tender arms enfolding,
Warm and safe the Child are holding.
Still, still, still, He sleeps this night so chill.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, He lies in slumber deep.
While angel hosts from heav’n come winging,
Sweetest songs of joy are singing.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, He lies in slumber deep
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Carol of the Bells Piano The Carol of the Bells is a beautiful Christmas piece that is extremely atmospheric and I am sure that you will enjoy learning this arrangement for piano. The piano notes are quite simple, but require a lightness of touch to fully create the ethereal mood of the piece. The music was written by the Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych – as a result, it is sometimes referred to as the Ukrainian bell carol. There are also some lyrics to the song which were written by Peter Wilhousky.
carol of the bells piano
Click Here to Download Carol of The Bells Piano Score PDF Carol of The Bells Piano Notes The Carol of the Bells piano sheet music is in the key of G minor (2 flats – B flat and E flat).
The main melody of the piece is based around a 4 note ostinato pattern that is repeated and then transposed. There are also some sequences used.
The actual ostinato pattern is very simple to learn, but it is really important to take time to develop the articulation and phrasing of the notes. There is a real “ethereal” quality to the riff which needs to be captured to prevent it sounding mechanical and repetitive.
The left hand is very simple with repeated dotted quaver (half note) rhythm. This should be played smoothly – almost as though it is a bassline being bowed by a cello.
The rhythmic feel of the piece is a very clever combination of both 3/4 and 6/8 time feel.
The piece is written with a 3/4 time signature, but the bass movement implies a 6/8 timing built upon 2 measures.
This interplay between the two timings gives it a dreamy dance-like quality.
Lyrics Here are the words to the Carol of The Bells song:
Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells,
all seem to say,
throw cares away
Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer,
to young and old,
meek and the bold.
Ding dong ding dong
that is their song
with joyful ring
all caroling.
One seems to hear
words of good cheer
from everywhere
filling the air.
Oh how they pound,
raising the sound,
o’er hill and dale,
telling their tale.
Gaily they ring
while people sing
songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
On on they send,
on without end,
their joyful tone
to every home.
Ding dong ding… dong!
The lyrics are still under copyright to Carl Fischer Music.
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Deck the Halls piano These Deck the Halls piano arrangements are aimed at the beginner and intermediate piano player. There are 2 different versions of the sheet music for you to download and print off so you can choose which one is most appropriate for you or your students to have a go at learning.
Deck the Halls Piano Sheet Music Intermediate Piano Version
Click Here to Download Deck The Halls Piano Sheet Music
The intermediate piano version of Deck The Halls is a lively arrangement that gives the piano player an opportunity to develop a number of skills: * Octaves in the left hand – the ability to be able to play consecutive octaves in the left hand is a very important skill for any piano player to develop. These octave sounds provide real strength and power to a performance. * Parallel 3rds – the right hand uses parallel 3rds in a large proportion of the melody line. This will test the skill of the pianist as the tempo is quite fast and so these notes need to be played at speed. * Articulation and Phrasing – the “life” of this piano arrangement of Deck The Halls is highly dependent upon the articulation and phrasing. The accents and staccato marks in the sheet music need to be performed effectively and the dynamics also need careful expression. Have a listen to the recording of the arrangement as this may well help.
I have also added in a 2 bar interlude between the verses.
This will work really well if you are playing and singing with people as it will give the singers a chance to catch their breath before carrying on with the next verse!
Deck the Halls Easy Piano Easy Piano Version Click Here to Download Deck The Halls for Easy Piano The arrangement of Deck The Halls for Easy Piano is a simplified version of the intermediate one:
- There are no parallel intervals in the right hand of the music so this will make the performance a lot easier.
- The left hand part consists of simple notes rather than the octaves. Again, this will make the notes a lot easier to perform.
- The articulation and phrasing will still give the player an opportunity to bring some expression and “life” to the performance.
Lyrics 1. Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
“Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troul the ancient Christmas carol
Fa la la la la la la la la
- See the flowing bowl before us
Fa la la ….
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa la la ….
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la ….
While I sing of beauty’s treasure
Fa la la ….
- Fast away the old year passes
Fa la la ….
Hail the new ye lads and lasses
Fa la la ….
Laughing, quaffing altogether
Fa la la ….
Heedless of the wind and weather
Fa la la ….
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O Little Town of Bethlehem is a much loved Christmas carol that is a mainstay of most traditional Christmas carol services in the Western classical tradition. The words to O Little Town of Bethlehem were written by Bishop Phillips Brooks in the late nineteenth century. These piano arrangements of the carol are based on the traditional tune “Forest Green”.
O Little Town of Bethlehem Piano I have produced 2 piano arrangements of this carol for you to download, print off and have a go at playing.
The 1st arrangement is an easy version. The right hand plays the tune and there is a simple left hand part where the shortest note value is a quarter note (crotchet).
Arrangement 1 – Easy Version O Little Town of Bethlehem Easy Piano
Click Here to Download Easy Piano PDF Arrangement 2 – Intermediate version O Little Town of Bethlehem Intermediate Piano
Click Here to Download Intermediate Piano PDF In the intermediate arrangement, I have added in an extra line of notes in the right hand to harmonise the melody line. It is very much worth practising the right hand on its own before combining the hands. The arrangement will work particularly well if you can play these accompanying right hand notes like a counter melody.
If it was a choir arrangement then this notes would form the alto part; if you can think of it as a part then this will help to make the notes “sing out”. I have added in some suggested fingering to help you with this.
The left hand bass part is a bit more complicated in the intermediate arrangement of O Little Town of Bethlehem. There is more movement than the easy arrangement, but the shortest note value is still only a quarter note (crotchet) so it should be reasonably straightforward.
O Little Town of Bethlehem Lyrics The lyrics to O Little Town of Bethlehem speak of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Thy describe the nativity story and the implications of the birth of Jesus for the world. The last verse of the hymn is a triumphant call for Christ to come to us and be with us in our lives. This verse is often sung with a descant in the traditional carol service.
*1. O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight*
*2. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King and peace to men on earth
For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love
- How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv’n
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in**4. O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel*
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