8

What is the 1.-5. notation in the top right corner telling me to do? Sheet music

Improve this question
4
  • 5
    FYI: these are also called "Volta brackets"
    – Arsak
    Nov 7, 2019 at 22:05
  • 1
    I'm a bit puzzled, why there are 6 repetitions specified, but apparently only 3 verses.
    – guidot
    Nov 8, 2019 at 14:35
  • @guidot: Since the 6th repetition has no lyrics, my guess would be that it is either 3 verses with lyrics and 3 instrumental verses, or alternating. The notation could definitely be improved, the score seems to imply familiarity with the song already (in which case, why specify the number of repetitions at all).
    – Jörg W Mittag
    Nov 8, 2019 at 14:38
  • 2
    There's only so much room for lyrics within the staff. Very often, any additional verses will be printed elsewhere on the page. I see this in hymnals all the time.
    – Dave Tweed
    Nov 8, 2019 at 15:11

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
21

The first part is played six times. The first five times you play the three bars under the bracket marked 1.-5., and the sixth time the bars under the bracket marked 6.

These are called "volta brackets" but people mostly refer to these as the "first ending", "second ending" etc. (alternatively "first-time bar" etc.)

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.