crescendo

dynamicskreh-SHEN-dohfrom Italian

A gradual increase in volume.

In Depth

A crescendo is a gradual increase in volume, indicated in notation by a long hairpin opening to the right (< shape) or by the abbreviation cresc.‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍ It is one of the most fundamental dynamic markings and appears in virtually every genre of Western music. A well-executed crescendo builds tension and excitement, drawing the listener toward a climax. Rossini was famous for his crescendos — long, orchestral build-ups that became his signature. The Rossini crescendo typically combines increasing volume with accelerating rhythm and the gradual addition of instruments, creating an irresistible sense of momentum.

Did you know?

The longest continuous crescendo in the standard orchestral repertoire is in Ravel's Boléro, which builds for approximately 15 minutes from a single snare drum to the full orchestra.