Hobbies Playing Music What Is a Decrescendo in Music? Share PINTEREST Email Print A cadenza is often performed at the end of a movement with a virtuosic improvisation by a solo instrumentalist or singer. Hill Street Studios/Getty Images Playing Music Playing Piano Tutorials Piano Chords Buying Advice Music Education Playing Guitar Home Recording By Brandy Kraemer Updated March 22, 2019 Definition: The Italian musical command decrescendo (abbreviated decresc.) is an indication to gradually decrease the volume of the music. The musical symbol for decrescendo is a narrowing angle, often followed by another dynamics command (see image). Opposite of crescendo. Also Known As: diminuendo (It) en décroissant; plus en plus doux; en diminuant (Fr) abnehmend; leiser werdend (Ger) Pronunciation: dee'-creh-SHEN-doh Common Misspellings: descrescendo, decresendo