Unison
Definition. All voices or instruments playing the same pitch (or same pitches in different octaves), in unified statement.
Detailed Explanation
Unison is the term for multiple voices or instruments playing exactly the same pitch — or the same pitch class across multiple octaves (octave unison). The Italian unisono (or its abbreviation unis.) is the corresponding performance direction.
Unison playing produces a particular powerful effect. With multiple performers on the same line, the resulting sound has greater body and force than a single voice — the famous unison opening of the Marseillaise, the unison string passages of Beethoven and Brahms, the unison brass calls of Wagner — all derive their power from the combined force of multiple voices on a single line.
The direction unisono (‘in unison’) cancels divisi or harmony, instructing all section members to play the same line. The opposite is divisi (split into multiple parts).
Etymology
Latin, ‘one sound’ — unus (‘one’) + sonus (‘sound’).
In Practice
Match exactly with your section. Pitch, articulation, and dynamics must be identical. Any deviation creates ‘chorusing’ — a slightly out-of-tune effect — that weakens the unison’s power.
Notable Examples
- Beethoven — Symphonies (powerful unison passages)
- Mahler — Symphony No. 6 (unison passages of dark force)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
Que signifie Unison en musique ?
All voices or instruments playing the same pitch (or same pitches in different octaves), in unified statement.
D'où vient le mot Unison ?
Latin, ‘one sound’ — unus (‘one’) + sonus (‘sound’).
Comment exécute-t-on Unison en pratique ?
Match exactly with your section. Pitch, articulation, and dynamics must be identical. Any deviation creates ‘chorusing’ — a slightly out-of-tune effect — that weakens the unison’s power.
Quelles sont les abréviations courantes de Unison ?
Unison s'abrège couramment en unis..
Quels termes musicaux sont liés à Unison ?
Termes liés : Divisi, Tutti.
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