Both

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a part shared by two players (both, both players) to ask them to play the same line together; it holds until a single player is named (1., 2., solo). Italian scores write a 2 for the same instruction.

How Composers Use It

Use it to double a line within a pair for weight or security, or to show that a split part returns to one line. In wind and brass writing a 2 is the standard form, but both is clear in English scores. In piano music the word appears differently, as with both pedals or both hands.

Related Terms