Line In Scores, What Does It Mean ?

I have a notation question,

I see this line (see attached pictures), both vertically and horizontaly, in scores everywhere. What does it mean ?

/ M

I believe that means to play all the notes of the chord at the exact same time. As in, do the reverse of an arpeggio. At least, that's what it means in harp notation, I believe, and I'm pretty sure pianists use it the same way.

I don't know why those examples sometimes end before the bottom of the chord, and I'm not sure about the horizontal one. Perhaps that is to hold the note for the full value? Otherwise, these could be pedal markings?

No, assuming that's a piano score, examples 1 and 2 mean: play those notes (all the ones inside the 'hook') with the right hand, even if some are written on the left hand staff.

Example 3 is a 'cancellation' of other marks similar to examples 1 and 2, it means: play those notes (on the treble staff) with the right hand, as usual.

Example 4 seems to be an unrelated thing. I'd never seen it.

The "don't arpeggiate" symbol is a bracket: [ , not an l-shaped 'hook'.

The "don't arpeggiate" symbol is a bracket: [ , not an l-shaped 'hook'.

OK, sorry about that.

All four Exerpts are from piano scores. I forgot where i found the last example, but Alberts explanation seems logical here.

Thanks you AlbertPensive! its all quite clear now!