Unisono

Unisono is an Italian musical term meaning “in unison” or “with one sound.” The word derives from Latin unisonus (unus “one” + sonus “sound”). In musical notation, unisono directs two or more performers to sing or play the same pitch and the same melodic line, producing a single voice.

It is commonly used after a divisi, when separate parts temporarily split and then join again on a common line. In choral and orchestral scores, unisono can indicate that all parts should coalesce into one line; it may be specified for a particular passage or for an entire section of the work. The phrase is often found in Italian scores and is frequently written as unisono, though English-language scores may use “in unison” or simply “unison.” In practice, performers must align rhythm and articulation to maintain the unison.

Unisono is distinct from related terms such as divisi (the opposite, where parts split) and tutti (all parts perform together, potentially in harmony). It can also emphasize unity across sections that would otherwise sing or play differently. The concept has been a standard element of Western music notation since the Baroque era and remains common in contemporary notation and performance.