Divided Chords in Orchestra?

November 1, 2005 at 11:29 PM · I think it's up to your section leader and conductor's discretion, I'm not aware of a general rule. Sorry, didn't quite answer your question!

November 2, 2005 at 01:21 PM · The only rule I know of is that if you see "div.", you divided. Otherwise, I agree with the previous poster that it is up to the section leader, although if you and your stand partner agree to divide or not, I cannot see a section leader overruling you. the ultimate question is: does it work for you?

November 2, 2005 at 10:05 PM · In general, I tell sections to usually do all chords divided unless the conductor asks for something different or it says to roll the chords in the music. It depends on the piece though- the end of the first phrase of Beethoven 5 ends with a GM chord for the first violins, which everyone plays and then rolls onto only the top G in the chord (on the E string). The only fail safe way is to ask your section leader, or in cases when that may be you, your music director. The problem with rolling chords as a section is that it tends to be sloppy- it's hard to time it. Some people may do the lower notes as a grace note, some may start it on the beat, and since the ear is naturally drawn to the highest sound and that highest pitch will be arriving at different times, it will not sound together and will appear to be not together. That's the danger of playing all of those notes. If you hear that people in the section are doing different things, you may want to ask and "pass it forward" that you're not sure what is being done with the chords (even if you do) and for the leader to give the section advice and guidance. It's very diplomatic that way so you don't have to appear like you are "tattling" on others in the section. Hope this helps. :-D