Notation question - 'a2' divisi in brass for flex-orchestra?

[Andrew Harrison]

G'day Finale people,

I'm trying to determine how to correctly indicate a divisi brass part in a flex-orchestra piece I have written.

I have written a brass part (Brass 1) for Bb trumpets/cornets, and, in theory, it can be played by as many players as there are in the orchestra. Occasionally, it breaks out into two different 'voices' - ie a high and low part, written on the same stave - where you would normally indicate 'a2' to show that two players are required. However, in this situation, I would like the part to be played by as many players as there are in the orchestra. (Ie, if 4 players are in the rehearsal, then 2 can play on each voice. Or even 1 on the top, and 3 on the bottom - this would all be determined by the conductor).

Does anyone know what is the correct way to indicate this? I have a feeling that 'a2' might mean 2 players only, regardless of how many are in the rehearsal section? Would 'div' be an option? (I seem to recall that 'div' is more for strings?

Any help would be appreciated!
Cheers
Andrew H

[Peter Thomsen]

Indeed the italian term ‘divìsi’ is an option - and not only for strings.

[cunardferguson]

Hi Andrew
As a brass player 'div' is fine to get what you want. I know you've written on 1 stave but maybe consider using 2 parts but mark them up as Trumpet part 1 and Trumpet part 2 (as opposed to Trumpet 1 and 2) then the conductor could assign the parts as to how many players they would like on each part.

[Andrew Harrison]

Thanks Peter and cunardferguson for the replies.

Based on what you have both said, I think I'll go for 'divisi' (or div.) when I require the trumpets to divide up. I will also make a comment in the Performance Notes about how the parts are to be separated out. I imagine I would need to use 'tutti' once the brass parts all come together on the same note, after 'divisi'?

(And I assume I wouldn't need an initial indication of 'tutti' on the trumpet's first combined entry of the piece, as this should be clear that all players start together? Sounds like overkill, I know, but with school/community ensembles, sometimes it's good to spell things out...?)

Cunard, to your point about creating two separate parts - I know what you mean, and appreciate the suggestion. On this occasion, I'm going to try and avoid this, as I'm hoping to keep the number of different parts to a minimum. (The other sections of the orchestra are also written as Winds 1, Winds 2 etc, with the option of having different wind instruments that fit the range playing together). So I'm trying to get the 'organisation process' correct, so I can replicate it again with other pieces.

It's actually quite a challenge to be clear and concise with one's musical intentions on the score! So appreciate the feedback.

Regards,
Andrew H

[Peter Thomsen]

… I imagine I would need to use 'tutti' once the brass parts all come together on the same note, after 'divisi'? …

Most musicians do not speak italian; they will understand ‘Tutti’ - even if it is not entirely correct.

To notate correctly:

1) Use ‘Tutti’ to cancel ‘Solo’.
‘Tutti’ means ‘All’.

2) Use ‘unìti’ to cancel ‘divìsi’.

[cunardferguson]

The other option is ‘unis’ as opposed to tutti

[ebiggs1]

I will also make a comment in the Performance Notes about how the parts are to be separated out.

No mater how you notate it I would do that. I always go for clarity in what I want over what the supposedly correct way to notate it is.

[motet]

I'll second Peter--"uniti"

[Andrew Harrison]

Thanks Peter and Motet and ebriggs,

All good feedback and suggestions.
Cheers
Andrew

[engelbach]

Andrew,

"a2" means that you have just one part that is to played by two instruments in unison.

Similarly, a3, a4, etc.

When you have two instruments and two parts on one stave, it's understood that you want the instruments to divide up the parts. No other indication is needed. Normally, the first instrument will play the top part and the second the lower part. If you want to specify the opposite, write "2." above the staff and "1." below it.

In your case, I agree that "divisi" is what you want.

[motet]

I rent out music and sometimes get music back from French renters where they've penciled in "a 2" or "a 4" meaning "in 2" or "in 4" (meter).

[BuonTempi]

I'll second Peter--"uniti"

I've never seen that (in music)!

[fethiye]

Andrew,

"a2" means that you have just one part that is to played by two instruments in unison.

Similarly, a3, a4, etc.

When you have two instruments and two parts on one stave, it's understood that you want the instruments to divide up the parts. No other indication is needed. Normally, the first instrument will play the top part and the second the lower part. If you want to specify the opposite, write "2." above the staff and "1." below it. activities in fethiye

In your case, I agree that "divisi" is what you want.

Thanks for information

[motet]

I'll second Peter--"uniti"

I've never seen that (in music)!

The second one below doesn't cancel a divisi, but rather prevents one, in effect "non divisi."

[David Ward]

I'll second Peter--"uniti"

I've never seen that (in music)!

In full scores of Puccini's operas (as published by Ricordi) uniti is the usual word to cancel divisi (for example).