diminuendos
Gradual volume decreases
Diminuendos is the plural of diminuendo, a musical term for a gradual decrease in volume.
The word functions as both noun and direction: a passage marked diminuendo tells performers to play progressively softer.
The piece ended with a series of diminuendos, fading to silence.
Figuratively, any gradual fading or weakening: His enthusiasm trailed off in diminuendos of excuse-making.
Gradual decreases in loudness
- pianissimosExtremely soft musical dynamics
- pianosLarge stringed keyboard instruments
- fortesPersonal areas of strength
- crescendosGradual rises in loudness
fortissimos · dynamics · swells · fades · softenings · volume · intensity · gradations
Gradual loss of intensity
- softeningBecoming less firm
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
- dying awayGradually becoming inaudible
- hushingQuieting or water-mining
quieting · withdrawing · receding · ebbing · subsiding · trailing off · waning · attenuating
Subdued, lasting sadness
- poignancyPiercing emotional quality
- resignationVoluntary relinquishment of position
- farewellLeave-taking expression
- endingsConcluding portions
loss · nostalgia · wistfulness · tenderness · intimacy · vulnerability · subtlety · delicacy
decrescendos
Gradual decreases in loudness
- pianissimosExtremely soft musical dynamics
- pianosLarge stringed keyboard instruments
- fortesPersonal areas of strength
crescendos · fortissimos · dynamics · swells · fades · softenings · volume · intensity · gradations · shadings
fading
Gradual loss of intensity
- softeningBecoming less firm
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
- dying awayGradually becoming inaudible
hushing · quieting · withdrawing · receding · ebbing · subsiding · trailing off · waning · attenuating · muting
melancholy
Subdued, lasting sadness
- poignancyPiercing emotional quality
- resignationVoluntary relinquishment of position
- farewellLeave-taking expression
endings · loss · nostalgia · wistfulness · tenderness · intimacy · vulnerability · subtlety · delicacy · pathos
diminuendoscrescendos
Gradual rises in loudness
swells · buildups · getting louder · escalations · intensifications