Poco decrescendo

As Printed on a Score

Printed below the staff (above, for voices) as poco decresc., sometimes followed by dashes; it lasts until the next dynamic marking. It is less common in print than poco dim., which means the same.

Abbreviations: poco decresc.

How Composers Use It

Identical in meaning to poco diminuendo: a small reduction in volume, not a move to a new level. Some composers prefer decrescendo as the exact mirror of crescendo; whichever word you choose, use it consistently in one score so players do not look for a difference. Mark where the line lands — a following p or mp — so the amount is clear.

Related Terms