Crescendo and diminuendo (decrescendo)

In the Dynamics section, there are three kinds of crescendo symbols: regular crescendo, regular diminuendo and a “double” crescendo (diminuendo–crescendo).

• To insert a crescendo (<) or diminuendo (>), select the corresponding symbol from the section and drag from left to right.

  

• If you draw a crescendo symbol from right to left, the result is a diminuendo symbol, and vice versa.

• To insert a crescendo-diminuendo (<>) symbol, select the double crescendo symbol in the section and drag from left to right.

• To insert a diminuendo-crescendo (><) symbol, select the double crescendo symbol in the section and drag from right to left.

• When you have inserted a crescendo or diminuendo symbol, you can move it and resize it by dragging its handles.

• The “dynamic crescendo/diminuendo” symbol (p < f) is special in that it actually affects the velocity of the notes as they are played back.

• If the “Keep Crescendo Symbols ‘Horizontal’” option is activated in the Preferences dialog (Scores–Editing page), crescendo/diminuendo symbols are never slanted when you draw them, but stay horizontal.

  Also, this option prevents you from accidentally dragging an endpoint up or down when moving the symbol.

• It is also possible to “flip” crescendo symbols, by selecting the option in the context menu or by clicking the Flip button on the extended toolbar.