Non divisi is a term used in music notation, which means to play a section of music without dividing the parts between different players. The spelling of this term uses the Latin phrase, and the pronunciation is quite straightforward. The IPA transcription of non divisi is /nɑn dɪˈviːzi/, meaning that the "non" is pronounced with an "ah" sound, and the "divisi" part is pronounced with a long "ee" and a soft "z" sound. It is vital for musicians to understand proper pronunciation and spelling to communicate musical direction effectively.
Non divisi is an Italian musical term, which translates to "undivided" in English. It is used as a directive in sheet music to instruct musicians to play together, without any division or separation of parts. Specifically, it is most commonly used in orchestral scores to indicate that a particular section or instrument should not be divided into separate parts.
In an orchestra, certain sections are typically divided into two or more parts to achieve a fuller sound or to highlight different musical lines. For example, the string section may be divided into first and second violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. However, when the term non divisi appears in the score, it means that the section or instrument should be played as a single, unified unit. In other words, all musicians within that section should play the same notes simultaneously, without any splitting or dividing of parts.
Non divisi is often indicated with the abbreviation "non div.," or by using the Italian term intero (meaning "whole") to highlight the need for unity. This directive is not limited to strings, but can also apply to other sections, such as woodwinds or brass. The purpose of non divisi is to create a specific musical effect or texture, allowing for a cohesive and powerful sound from a particular section or instrument.
The term "non divisi" is derived from the Latin language. "Non" simply means "not" in Latin, while "divisi" is the past participle of the verb "dividere", which means "to divide" or "to separate". Therefore, the literal translation of "non divisi" from Latin to English would be "not divided" or "undivided".
In the context of music, "non divisi" is used as a notation in sheet music to instruct musicians not to divide a particular section of instruments or voices into separate parts. It implies that all players in a particular section should play together as a single unit, rather than splitting into separate lines.