Divided

As Printed on a Score

Usually printed as div. over string parts where the section splits into separate lines, with two notes per stem or two voices on one staff; it is cancelled by unis. or non div. English scores may join it to a desk count (2 desks div.).

Abbreviations: div.

How Composers Use It

Dividing strings thickens harmony without adding instruments, but each line has fewer players, so the sound is softer and more transparent. Make clear how the division works (by stand, by desk, outside and inside players), especially for more than two parts, and mark unis. where the section reunites.

Example

Holst, The Planets, “Uranus, the Magician”, violins I, m. 222: “2 desks div.” at pp sets both the number of players and their division; “non div.” follows at m. 227.

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