What is a Divisi?

Divisi is an orchestration and notation term that instructs a section of instruments or voices to divide into two or more separate parts instead of playing the same notes together. The word comes from Italian and means “divided.”

Divisi is commonly used in string sections and choirs, where players or singers within the same section split into smaller groups to perform different notes. For example, the violin section might divide so that some players perform the higher notes of a chord while others perform the lower notes.

Using divisi allows composers and arrangers to create richer harmonies and fuller textures within a single section. However, because the musicians are split into smaller groups, the sound of each divided part may be softer than when the entire section plays together.