(cresc.) crescendo

A crescendo symbol seen in sheet music.
A crescendo leading into fortissimo. Image © Brandy Kraemer
By Brandy Kraemer
Updated on 03/17/17

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, crecendo





More Musical Abbreviations:

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