Crescendo

As Printed on a Score

Printed below the staff as cresc. (also cres.), usually followed by dashes or by syllables (cre - scen - do) spread across the bars it covers, or drawn as an opening hairpin. It runs until a new dynamic arrives; without one its goal is left open. Qualifiers — poco cresc., molto cresc., sempre cresc., cresc. poco a poco — set its rate.

Abbreviations: cresc., cres., cresc, cres

Also spelled: cre - scen - do, cre-scen-do

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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