Crescendo
Gradually getting louder
Category
dynamics
Pronunciation
kreh-SHEN-doh
Origin
Italian
Length
81 words · 1 min read
About Crescendo
A dynamic direction indicating a gradual increase in volume. Shown in notation as a long opening hairpin or abbreviated "cresc." One of the most powerful tools for building tension and drama.
More dynamics terms
Rinforzando
View all dynamicsterms →A sudden increase in volume on a single note or short passage.
SforzandoSudden strong accent
DecrescendoGradually getting softer.
Forte piano (fp)The notational symbol fp — attack a note forte then immediately drop to piano
FortissimoVery loud; much louder than forte.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →