crollando

Crollando is an Italian musical term that appears in a small number of historical scores. The directive is generally understood to indicate a rolling, tremolo-like effect rather than a fixed rhythmic figure. The precise meaning varies with context and instrument, but practice commonly associates it with rapid reiteration or fluttering articulation across the sustained note or chord rather than a single attack.

In string music, crollando is typically realized as a quick, continuous repetition of the note or a light tremolo, producing a shimmering surface over the held pitch. In keyboard and plucked-string repertoire, it may suggest a rapid arpeggiation, a rolling accompaniment, or a fluttering alternation between neighboring notes, depending on the edition and performer tradition.

The term is relatively rare in modern scores and is often treated as obsolete or informally translated by editors as tremolo, rolled chords, or arpeggiation. When encountered, it is usually placed on or near the note or chord it affects, sometimes with accompanying tempo or dynamic marks to guide the execution.

Etymology: crollando derives from the Italian verb crollare, meaning to collapse or shake, and by extension to roll or ripple. Its exact musical sense has varied across centuries and editions.

See also: tremolo, arpeggio, roll, rallentando.