Diminuendo: meaning, definitions and examples

musical term

Diminuendo is a term used in music to indicate a gradual decrease in loudness of a sound or passage. It is typically represented in sheet music by a symbol that resembles a long, thin triangle pointing to the right. Musicians interpret diminuendo as a way to create emotional depth and dynamics in a piece, allowing for a more expressive performance. This technique can be applied to various instruments and vocal performances, adding nuance to the interpretation of music. It is often used in conjunction with other dynamics terms such as crescendo, creating a range of volume changes throughout a composition.

decrescendo, reduction, softening

Examples of usage

• The orchestra played with a beautiful diminuendo at the end of the movement.

• You could hear the diminuendo in her voice during the soft part of the song.

• The conductor signaled a diminuendo to emphasize the emotional climax.

• The pianist gradually faded into a diminuendo, leaving the audience in silence.