Divisi: A musical instruction that divides a single section of instruments into multiple parts, allowing different musicians to play separate notes or harmonies simultaneously.
Context and Significance
Divisi is a significant technique in orchestral and choral settings, providing greater texture and richness to compositions. It allows sections like violins or cellos to split into smaller groups, each playing different notes. This technique is commonly used in symphonic works, enhancing the depth and complexity of the music. In choral music, divisi can create lush harmonies and dynamic contrasts, especially in large-scale works where multiple voice lines are essential.
Historical Background
The concept of divisi has been utilized since the Baroque period, becoming more prominent in the Romantic era as composers sought fuller and more intricate textures in their music. The term originates from the Italian word “dividere,” meaning “to divide.” Composers like Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss exploited divisi to achieve expansive orchestral sounds, pushing the boundaries of traditional ensemble configurations.
Examples
In Mahler’s symphonies, divisi is often used to create complex and layered soundscapes. For instance, in his Symphony No. 2, the string sections frequently divide to add intensity and depth to the orchestral texture. Similarly, the works of Johannes Brahms often employ divisi, particularly in his choral compositions, to enrich harmonic progressions and enhance emotional expression.
Related Terms
– Unison: When all musicians or singers perform the same notes together.
– Harmony: The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously.
– Polyphony: Multiple independent melodic lines occurring simultaneously.
– Counterpoint: The relationship between two or more musical lines that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour.