The appearance of the words DC al fine instructs the performer to return to the beginning of the work and play again, until reaching the word fine (finish). The da capo aria is a song form used extensively in opera and provides an opportunity for a soloist to show off his or her vocal capabilities. On the repeat performance, the original material is decorated and embellished, adding to the emotional impact of the aria.

The abbreviation DS means da capo al segno. Instead of returning to the beginning of a work, the performer repeats from where the sign appears.