Crescendo: Definition and 5 Musical Examples
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

  1. What is Crescendo?
  2. How to identify a Crescendo in music
  3. Musical Example 1
  4. Musical Example 2
  5. Musical Example 3
  6. Musical Example 4
  7. Musical Example 5

If you've ever listened to a piece of music that gradually builds up in volume, then you've experienced a crescendo. It's a fascinating musical element that adds a sense of drama and excitement to a composition. In this blog, we'll explore the definition for crescendo and dive into five great examples that beautifully illustrate this concept.

What is Crescendo?

A crescendo, pronounced as /krəˈSHendō/, comes from the Italian word 'crescere' which means 'to grow'. In music, it refers to a gradual increase in volume or intensity of sound. It's like a musical journey — starting softly and slowly building up until it reaches a peak. This technique is often used to create a sense of anticipation or to highlight a particular part of a song.

Here's a simple breakdown of the definition for crescendo:

  • The loudest point reached in a gradually increasing sound: Picture a wave, starting small and steadily growing until it crashes onto the shore. That's essentially what a crescendo is in a musical context.
  • The highest point reached in a progressive increase of intensity: Think of it as a roller coaster ride. You slowly climb to the top and when you reach the peak, that's the crescendo.
  • With a gradual increase in loudness: It's like turning up the volume knob on your music player, bit by bit. Eventually, you're at maximum volume — that's your crescendo.
  • Gradually increasing in loudness or intensity: A crescendo isn't a sudden jump in volume. It's a gradual, steady increase that adds layers of depth to the music.
  • Increase in loudness or intensity: To put it simply, a crescendo is all about going from soft to loud, quietly building up the intensity until it reaches a grand finale.

Now that you understand the definition for crescendo, let's explore some examples in music that bring this concept to life. You might even recognize a few of them!

How to identify a Crescendo in music

Identifying a crescendo in a piece of music isn't always as clear-cut as spotting a red apple in a bunch of green ones. It requires a bit of understanding, a keen ear, and some practice. But don't worry! Here are some simple steps to help you recognize a crescendo when you hear one.

  1. Listen for a gradual increase in volume: This is the hallmark of a crescendo. You'll notice the music starts softly and then gradually becomes louder. It's as if the music is 'growing' in volume.
  2. Pay attention to the intensity: A crescendo isn't just about volume. It's also about the intensity of the music. As the crescendo progresses, you'll feel the music become more passionate, more intense.
  3. Look for the peak: A crescendo always leads up to a peak — the loudest or most intense part of the piece. It's like the crest of a wave before it crashes down.
  4. Notice the anticipation: A well-executed crescendo builds anticipation. As the music gets louder and more intense, you can't help but lean in, waiting for the climax of the crescendo.
  5. Feel the emotion: Music is all about emotion, and a crescendo is a powerful tool to evoke feelings. As the crescendo builds, you might feel a surge of excitement, anticipation, or even a sense of awe.

So next time you're listening to your favorite symphony or pop song, see if you can spot the crescendo. It'll add a whole new layer of appreciation to your listening experience!

Musical Example 1

Now that we've nailed down the definition for crescendo, let's dive into some real-life examples. Our first stop is none other than Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.

Considered one of the most famous works in the western music repertoire, this piece is a fantastic example of how a crescendo can be used to create tension and anticipation. In the first movement, you can hear a gradual increase in volume, starting with a soft whisper of the iconic four-note motif. The motif is then repeated, each time a little louder, a little more intense.

As the crescendo builds, so does the sense of anticipation. You might find yourself leaning forward, your heartbeat matching the rhythm of the music. And then, when the crescendo hits its peak, it feels like a release of tension — a musical sigh of relief.

The use of crescendo in Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is a wonderful example of how this musical technique can create a powerful, almost palpable, emotional response in the listener. So, next time you listen to this symphony, pay close attention to the crescendos and feel the music's emotional journey.

Musical Example 2

Our journey through the definition for crescendo continues with a journey back in time to the Romantic era of music—an era known for its emotive and expressive compositions. Specifically, we're going to explore the world of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and his Symphony No. 6, also known as the 'Pathétique'.

Tchaikovsky was a master of using crescendos to pull at the heartstrings, and Symphony No. 6 is no exception. In the first movement, there's a section where the strings slowly build in volume, starting from a soft murmur to a roaring wave of sound.

As the music grows louder, it's as if you can hear the composer's own heartache and turmoil. The crescendo peaks, the music swells, and it feels as though Tchaikovsky himself is pouring his heart out through each note. It's a moving, almost cathartic experience.

Now, isn't it fascinating how a simple increase in volume, a crescendo, can evoke such strong emotions? That's the power of music, and the power of understanding the definition for crescendo.

Musical Example 3

Moving forward, let's venture into the realm of film scores for our next example. John Williams, a name synonymous with iconic movie themes, has a knack for using crescendos to make his compositions even more memorable. The definition for crescendo comes to life in his work.

Take the theme from 'Jurassic Park' for instance. The music starts off softly, the melody gentle like a lullaby. Then, as the theme progresses, it gradually builds in volume— a crescendo. It's like a musical representation of the awe and wonder you'd feel upon seeing a dinosaur for the first time.

Remember that scene where Dr. Alan Grant sees a living, breathing Brachiosaurus for the first time? The crescendo in the music perfectly captures his amazement, his joy, and his absolute disbelief. That's the magic of a well-placed crescendo—it can make you feel as if you're right there in the moment, experiencing everything firsthand.

So you see, understanding the definition for crescendo can truly enhance your movie-watching experience. Next time you watch a film, pay close attention to the music. You might just find a crescendo or two tucked away!

Musical Example 4

Shifting gears slightly, let's take a peek into the world of pop music. It's no secret that pop music is designed to be catchy and memorable, and one tool that composers often use to achieve that effect is the crescendo. The definition for crescendo certainly comes into play here.

Consider, for instance, the song 'Someone Like You' by Adele. This song is a prime example of how a crescendo can be used to heighten the emotional impact of a piece. As you listen, you'll notice the music starts softly, with just Adele's voice and a piano. But as the song progresses, it slowly builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful crescendo that mirrors the raw emotion in Adele's voice.

The crescendo in this song isn't just about volume, though. It's also about the build-up of emotional tension. As the song grows louder, the emotional intensity increases, too. It's a perfect demonstration of how a crescendo can be used to complement and enhance the emotions conveyed by the lyrics.

So the next time you listen to a pop song, think about the definition for crescendo. You might be surprised by how much more you can appreciate the music!

Musical Example 5

Alright, let's shift our attention from the world of pop to the realm of film scores. If you've ever sat in a movie theater, captivated by the music swelling in the background of a dramatic scene, then you've likely experienced the power of a crescendo. Applying our definition for crescendo, let's examine a specific example.

John Williams, the composer behind many iconic film scores, is a master of the crescendo. His work on 'Star Wars,' specifically the piece 'The Imperial March,' showcases this skill brilliantly. This piece begins with a quiet, ominous melody that gradually builds, layer by layer, into a full-blown, menacing crescendo that perfectly encapsulates the power and threat of the Empire.

The crescendo in 'The Imperial March' isn't sudden or abrupt. Instead, it's a gradual increase in volume and intensity that mirrors the rise of the Empire itself. It's a fantastic example of how a crescendo can be used not just for emotional effect, but also to tell a story and build a narrative.

So next time you're watching a movie, pay attention to the music. You might just find that understanding the definition for crescendo can enrich your viewing experience!

If you enjoyed learning about the concept of crescendo and its musical examples, you might find it interesting to explore different aspects of music and creativity. Check out the workshop 'Expanding your Creative Comfort Zones' by Celina Rodriguez. This workshop will help you push your boundaries and take your music to new heights, regardless of the genre you're working in.