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Dynamic

Markings

 Fluctuating Dynamics (cont.)

Decrescendo or Diminuendo

The decrescendo marking indicates that the music should grow softer over a stretch of time indicated by the decrescendo marking itself. Generally the composer will also indicate the dynamic level that should be reached by the end of the decrescendo. The decrescendo is either indicated with the abbreviation "decresc." followed by a dashed line...

or with the "" symbol:

The above two examples communicate the exact same message: the music should decrescendo from forte in measure 1 to pianissimo in measure 3.

The diminuendo marking means the same as decrescendo. Diminuendo is typically abbreviated to "dim.":