Non divisi

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string part, usually as non div., where double stops or chords must be played by every player rather than split between desks, or where a divided section rejoins. It holds until the next div.

Abbreviations: non div., non div

How Composers Use It

Two notes on one string staff are ambiguous: players may divide them unless told otherwise. Non div. asks every player to take both notes as double stops — a fuller, more strained sound, effective at loud dynamics — while div. gives each note to half the section for a cleaner, softer chord. Mark one or the other whenever a section part shows two notes; for simply rejoining one line, many editors prefer unis.

Example

Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (“From the New World”), first movement, violas, m. 217: “non div.” at ff.

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