Questions: Crescendo and Decrescendo
5 questions to test your understanding
Score: 0 / 5
Question 1 Multiple Choice
What does a crescendo mean in music?
AThe music suddenly stops
BThe music gradually gets louder
CThe music is always loud
DThe music speeds up
A crescendo is a gradual increase in volume. It is not a sudden change or a fixed loudness level.
Question 2 True / False
A decrescendo means the music is always ending.
Answer: False
A decrescendo means the music is getting softer, but this can happen at any point in a piece, not just at the end.
Question 3 True / False
A crescendo happens suddenly, like a surprise loud note.
Answer: False
A crescendo is gradual, meaning the volume increases slowly over time. A sudden loud note is an accent, not a crescendo.
Question 4 Short Answer
What is another name for decrescendo?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Diminuendo
A good answer names diminuendo, which is the alternate Italian term for a gradual decrease in volume.
Question 5 Multiple Choice
What do crescendo and decrescendo symbols look like in written music?
ACircles above the notes
BLong wedge-shaped lines
CArrows pointing up and down
DWavy lines under the staff
Crescendo and decrescendo are shown as long wedge-shaped symbols (also called hairpins). A crescendo opens wider and a decrescendo narrows.