Hobbies Playing Music (cresc.) crescendo Share PINTEREST Email Print A crescendo leading into fortissimo. Image © Brandy Kraemer Playing Music Playing Piano Tutorials Piano Chords Buying Advice Music Education Playing Guitar Home Recording By Brandy Kraemer Updated March 18, 2017 Definition: The Italian musical term crescendo (abbreviated cresc.) is an indication to gradually increase the volume of a song until otherwise noted.A crescendo is marked by a horizontal, opening angle which may be followed by another dynamics command (see image).Opposite of diminuendo and, of course, decrescendo. Also Known As: en croissant; devenir plus fort; augmentez; plus en plus fort (Fr) anschwellend; lauter werdend; wachsend (Ger) Pronunciation: Common Misspellings: cresendo, crecendoMore Musical Abbreviations: rall. sfz mp allarg. fp