Crescendo

How Composers Use It

The crescendo is one of the most powerful dramatic tools in music. For orchestral crescendos, add instruments as the volume increases — start with strings, add woodwinds, then brass. The Mannheim crescendo (extended orchestral crescendo) was revolutionary in the 18th century and remains effective.

Example

Ravel's "Boléro" — the entire 15-minute work is essentially one long crescendo, adding instruments layer by layer over the repeating theme.

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