Activities Hobbies 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 Hobbies Playing Music Playing Piano Music Education Playing Guitar Home Recording Contests Couponing Freebies Frugal Living Fine Arts & Crafts Astrology Card Games & Gambling Cars & Motorcycles Learn More By Brandy Kraemer Updated on 03/21/19 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 Featured Video