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A section divided — string players at the same desk play different notes instead of playing in unison. Abbreviated div.
Divisi halves the number of players on each note, so the tone is thinner. Use divisi for chords, double stops that are too difficult, or passages needing transparent texture. Mark "unisi" or "unis." to return to unison. Remember: divisi a 3 means only a third of the section on each note.
Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra" — the opening features strings divided into many parts, creating the shimmering sunrise texture.
Divisi is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
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