What does 'D.C. al fine' instruct musicians to do?

The instruction 'D.C. al fine' stands for "Da Capo al fine," which is an Italian term used in musical notation. It directs musicians to go back to the beginning of the piece and play until they reach the point marked "fine," which indicates the end of the music. This instructional term is common in classical music and is used to create a sense of repetition and contrast within a piece.

Understanding this term is essential for interpreting scores accurately, as performers must know when to return to the beginning and where to conclude their performance. In this context, returning to the start and playing through to "fine" aligns perfectly with what 'D.C. al fine' conveys, helping musicians maintain the intended structure of the piece.