What Is a Decrescendo in Music?

A cadenza is often performed at the end of a movement with a virtuosic improvisation by a solo instrumentalist or singer.
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
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:

Pronunciation: dee'-creh-SHEN-doh

Common Misspellings: descrescendo, decresendo