diminuendo

American  

[dih-min-yoo-en-doh] / dɪˌmɪn yuˈɛn doʊ /

adjective

1. gradually reducing in force or loudness; decrescendo (opposed to crescendo).

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noun

plural

diminuendoes

1. a gradual reduction of force or loudness.

2. a diminuendo passage. >

diminuendo British  

/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ /

noun

1. 1.  dim.  a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicating this

   2. a musical passage affected by a diminuendo

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adjective

1. gradually decreasing in loudness

2. with a diminuendo

Etymology

Origin of diminuendo

1765–75; < Italian, present participle of diminuire; see diminish

Explanation

In music, diminuendo means gradually growing more quiet. When the sheet music calls for a diminuendo, that's definitely not the time to blow your trumpet as hard as you can. As they play, musicians don't simply follow the notes; musical notation includes a lot of additional information, including how fast to play, whether to be loud or quiet, and when to increase or decrease the volume. Diminuendo, which comes from the Latin root deminuere, or "diminish," instructs a pianist or cellist to quiet their playing, transitioning to a more gentle sound.

Example Sentences

For the “Flower Song” from “Carmen,” Tetelman cushions the contours of his phrases, hooks into high notes without breaking the musical line and nails the diminuendo on the high B flat.

From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2022

The Philharmonic’s other soloists included the soprano Sherezade Panthaki, who scrupulously shaped her music by approaching top notes with a diminuendo.

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2022

In Mitchell’s case, the diminuendo was especially long, and his continued expectations for himself much higher.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 20, 2015

As each wave rolls in—booming, roaring, growling, hissing—I listen to its voice: the unique contours of its rising and falling, its singular crescendo and diminuendo.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2015

It was an odd contrast between the triumphant note which had crept into the great barrister's voice and the diminuendo of Peggy's.

From A Butterfly on the Wheel by Gull, Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger