Decrescendo molto

As Printed on a Score

Printed below the staff as decresc. molto or molto decresc., usually extended by dashes or a long hairpin across the bars it covers; the fading ends where the next dynamic is printed.

Abbreviations: decresc. molto, molto decresc.

Also spelled: molto decrescendo

How Composers Use It

Asks for a large drop, often over a short span. Decrescendo and diminuendo mean the same in practice, so use whichever your score already uses and stay consistent. Mark the landing dynamic (p, pp) so the size of the drop is defined; without it, molto only means more than usual, and each player will judge that differently.

Related Terms