Classical Music Expressions

adjective relating to or suitable for singing or music

adverb in a singing or musical style

• The pianist played the piece with a beautiful cantabile style.
• She sang the song in a cantabile manner that brought tears to my eyes.
• I love how he can make his guitar sound so cantabile.
• The flow of the river had a cantabile quality, moving smoothly and gracefully.

noun a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music

verb to reach a point of intensity or force

• The orchestra reached a powerful crescendo during the final movement of the symphony.
• The music slowly built up to a crescendo before the big finale.
• The party was really boring at first, but it hit a crescendo once the DJ started playing.
• Tensions between the two countries have been escalating, reaching a crescendo in recent weeks.

noun a musical term indicating a gradual decrease in tempo

• The pianist executed a beautiful ritardando at the end of the piece.
• The band decided to slow down with a ritardando for the last part of the song.
• Let's add a ritardando to that part to make it sound more dramatic.
• Life sometimes throws us a ritardando, forcing us to slow down and appreciate the moment.