Divisi

In music, divisi (Italian for "divided") is a directive indicating that a musical part normally played in unison is to be divided so that different players within the same section play different parts. It is commonly used in orchestral and choral music.

When divisi is indicated, the players are usually assigned to the different notes of a chord. The conductor or arranger typically specifies how the section is to be divided, often with markings such as "div. a 2" (divide into two), "div. a 3" (divide into three), and so on. If no specific division is indicated, the players generally divide as evenly as possible.

The divisi marking is often used to create richer harmonies and textures, or to make a part easier to play by splitting difficult passages between different players. It can also be used to expand the range of the section, or to create special effects.

The cancellation of a divisi marking is usually indicated by the term unis. or unisono, which instructs the players to return to playing the same part in unison. Divisi is distinct from solo, which indicates that a single player within the section should play the part.