allocation of votes - Form - Philipp Dangas

Sometimes a two, three or more voice part is prescribed for a single string part. According to the information in the score, the group is divided into these parts. A division does not take place in principle. It results in the weakening of the sound power of individual notes. But the better intonation of the sound is the result.

The division presupposes a strong occupation of the instrument groups. Only then can a satisfactory effect be achieved. The effects that are achieved are dynamic or tonal in nature.

Voting options

Players in split groups perform voices individually. Usually two or more votes. There are different ways of notating divisi.

Variants of the notation with split voices

1st variant: notation with divided voices

Both groups are notated in the same staff with a common stem for both voices. This is possible if the rhythm remains the same for both voices. It is important to write the divisi over the staff where it actually begins:
In the same staff with a common stem

2nd variant: notation with divided voices

Two different systems, one for each voice: This notation is used when the voices are very different in rhythm and/or cross frequently, which would make the notation difficult to read. Divisi is written between the staves:
A staff for each voice

3rd variant: notation with divided voices

Both groups are notated on the same staff, but with different stems: the stems of the upper half always point up, and the stems of the lower half always point down, regardless of the actual pitch. This type of notation is used when the two voices have different rhythms and minimal to no crossing of voices. It is advisable, but not absolutely necessary, to indicate the beginning of the subdivision with divisi:
Same staff, different stems

4th variant: notation with divided voices

It is the Alternating Divisi (Open Work/Splitting). This technique is practiced to simplify difficult-to-play passages of a voice. One group starts playing on the last note of the other group. And this pauses. It's important that this change occurs on an emphasized beat:
Alternating divisi

5th variant: Notation with divided voices

[Div. a3]. A three-part passage or a triple stop is divided.
A three-part passage or a triple stop is divided

6th variant: notation with divided voices

[Div. a4]. A four-part passage or quadruple fingering is divided.
A four-part passage or quadruple fingering is divided

Further information on the division of votes in the grading system

Name of the rule: Div. da legii

Divided by desk. Each desk gets its own part, which in turn can be subdivided.

Name of the rule: Unis. (Unisono)

Repeals all Divisi regulations.

Name of the rule: Non div. (Non divisi)

Often used incorrectly in place of unison. Use only recommended if possible but not desired.

Name of the rule: Half (La Metà)

Half of the voice group plays. That means the players who sit on the outside.

Solo strings

A solo instrument is used at certain points. Solo passages do not necessarily have to be virtuosic. A solo violin is played by the concert master. Passages for two solo violins are taken from the first console of the 1st violins. Or performed by the concert master and the section leader of the second violins.

Solo passages for violas are rare (e.g. Hector Berlioz, Harold in Italy). For the solo cello there are often (e.g. Schumann, 2nd symphony). The double bass, on the other hand, is rare (Mahler, 1st symphony).

In addition, groups of solo strings are used in orchestral works (e.g. Dvorák, 9th Symphony From the New World).

Tutti

All (repeales La metà or Solo).