A coda opens one last musical path after the main formal course has closed, recalling or transforming earlier material before the final cadence. THE TERM IN BRIEF Coda Italian: “tail” Core meaning A closing section that follows the main course of a musical movement, section, or complete work. Origin From the Italian coda , meaning “tail”. Function It creates a distinct closing phase after the principal formal course has been completed. Possible material Returning themes, fresh development, a change of colour, or further confirmation of the close. Notation It may be marked by the word Coda , the sign 𝄌, or directions such as D.C. al Coda and D.S. al Coda . Related term Codetta : a smaller closing extension within a section. In the first movement of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, the opening rhythmic idea has already returned and the music seems to be approach...