Gradual dynamics

Gradual dynamics indicate a change in volume that happens incrementally over the specified duration. They usually appear either as hairpins or as text instructions, such as cresc. or dim..

The change in volume indicated by individual hairpins is shown in the distance between the two diverging lines at their apertures.

Hairpins typically have a closed end and an open end. If the hairpin crosses a system or frame break, the closed end appears with a small gap so that the hairpin is not misread as two separate hairpins.

A pair of hairpins without an immediate dynamic in the middle is known as a messa di voce.

Figure 1. A phrase containing multiple gradual dynamics

In Dorico Elements, gradual dynamics appear as hairpins by default. You can change the appearance of individual gradual dynamics. For example, if you want to show a particularly long crescendo using cresc. text rather than a hairpin.

You can show gradual dynamic text in the following ways:

  • cresc. or dim.: Abbreviated text with no continuation line

  • cresc... or dim...: Abbreviated text with a dotted continuation line

  • cre-scen-do or di-mi-nuen-do: The full word spread out across the duration of the gradual dynamic

In Write mode, ungrouped gradual dynamics each have start and end handles that show their duration.

Gradual dynamic in Write mode showing start and end handles
Note

Pairs of separate hairpins are treated differently than messa di voce hairpins. For example, separate hairpins each have start and end handles in Write mode, whereas messa di voce hairpins share a single center handle.