decresc

Decresc, short for decrescendo, is a musical dynamic instruction telling a performer to gradually decrease volume. It may appear as the abbreviated text “decresc.” or “decres.” in a score, or be conveyed by hairpin markings that start wide and taper inward, indicating a fading sound from louder to softer.

In practice, decrescendo indicates a continuous reduction in loudness over a passage. It is the inverse of crescendo (which instructs growing loudness). Composers may also use the longer form “decrescendo” or its Italian variant “diminuendo,” and sometimes these terms are used interchangeably with decresc. The dynamic intent is to shape phrasing and expressivity, often culminating in a softer dynamic such as p or pp as the music moves toward the end of the section. Phrases can be marked poco a poco decresc., meaning gradually decreasing in volume little by little.

Notational conventions vary by era and edition. In traditional scores, decresc. appears as text or as a decrescendo hairpin. In modern editions, a />

Performance considerations focus on steady, even reduction rather than abrupt changes, aligning with the musical line, tempo, and emotional context. Decrescendi are common across many genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary classical music, where dynamic shading contributes to articulation and expressive contour.

See also: crescendo, diminuendo, hairpin dynamics, dynamic markings.