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Decrescendo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decrescendo

[de-kre-หˆshen-(หŒ)dล ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical term

A decrescendo is a gradual decrease in loudness or intensity in a piece of music. It is often indicated in musical notation with the symbol 'decrescendo' or 'diminuendo'. This technique is used to create a feeling of tension or to lead into quieter passages. The effect of decrescendo can greatly impact the emotional delivery of a musical piece.

Synonyms

diminuendo, reduction, waning.

Examples of usage

  • The conductor signaled a decrescendo as the orchestra finished the movement.
  • During the chorus, the singers performed a beautiful decrescendo.
  • The composer wrote a decrescendo to transition smoothly into the softer section.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • It is often indicated in musical scores by the symbol '<' or the word 'decresc.'
  • Composers use decrescendo to create emotional dynamics, making music feel more dramatic as it softens.

Psychology

  • Decrescendo in music can evoke feelings of calmness or nostalgia, often used in lullabies.
  • Softening sound can help reduce stress, making decrescendo a helpful tool in relaxation music.

Literature

  • Metaphorically, decrescendo can describe the decline of a characterโ€™s fortune or mood in stories.
  • Poets may employ the concept to symbolize fading emotions, capturing the essence of loss.

Art

  • In visual arts, the principle of 'decrescendo' can relate to the balance of color or intensity, guiding the viewer's eye.
  • Artists may use similar techniques in storytelling, where tension decreases like a fading melody.

Origin of 'decrescendo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Italian, meaning 'to grow less' or 'to diminish'.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin word 'crescere', which means 'to grow'.

The term 'decrescendo' comes from the Italian word 'decrescere', which means 'to decrease'. It is derived from the Latin 'decrescere', combining 'de-' meaning 'down from' or 'down' and 'crescere' meaning 'to grow' or 'to increase'. The use of 'decrescendo' in music notation dates back to the late 18th century as composers sought more expressive ways to indicate dynamic changes. This term is now standard in music theory and practice, helping musicians understand how to manipulate volume and expression in their performance. The concept of decrescendo is not only limited to music; it can also metaphorically apply to other fields, such as literature and rhetoric, where intensity or focus decreases.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,550, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.