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Form and sustain

Volta endings

Use different ending measures on successive passes through a repeated section.

See it in the score

First ending in Bach's Air

The bracketed measure belongs to the first pass before the backward repeat.

Open measure 12 in the piece
First ending in Bach's Air From Air on the G String by J.S. Bach, source measure 12.

Passage playback follows the literal encoded notes, rhythm, tempo, and written directions in this excerpt. It is a study aid, not a model of a pianist's touch, phrasing, ornament realization, or pedal technique.

In a sentence

Use different ending measures on successive passes through a repeated section.

A first-ending bracket is played before taking the repeat. On the next pass, the performer skips that bracket and continues at the second ending.

Voltas can carry more than two numbers in larger forms. Their brackets and repeat barlines must be read as one navigation system.