Orchestral Techniques

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 to play very loudly

• The orchestra played the final movement fortissimo, filling the concert hall with a powerful sound.
• She yelled at the top of her lungs, fortissimo, to make sure he heard her from across the room.
• The bass in that song hits fortissimo, it's so intense!
• Her emotions were like a fortissimo wave, overwhelming and impossible to ignore.

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.

noun a technique in music where the bow bounces lightly on the strings of a string instrument

adjective relating to or being a style of playing a string instrument in which the bow is made to bounce lightly on the strings

• The violinist demonstrated exquisite control in her spiccato bowing technique.
• I tried to play spiccato on the violin, but it just sounded like a mess.
• Dude, did you see that drummer's spiccato skills? They were insane!
• Her words came out in a spiccato rhythm, sharp and staccato, leaving no room for argument.

noun a musical effect produced by a rapid reiteration of a single tone or by rapid alternation between two tones

• The musician used a tremolo technique to create a wavering effect in the music.
• I love how the guitarist adds tremolo to their solos, it sounds so cool.
• The DJ dropped a sick tremolo beat that had everyone dancing.
• Her voice had a tremolo quality to it, adding depth to her storytelling.