Stringendo (Italian, meaning "tightening" or "to tighten") is a musical term indicating a gradual increase in tempo, often coupled with a crescendo (gradual increase in volume). It creates a sense of urgency, excitement, and building momentum within a musical passage. The effect is achieved by progressively shortening the duration of the notes, thus accelerating the overall speed of the music. The term's application isn't limited to a single phrase but can extend over longer sections to create a more pronounced effect. A related term is 'accelerando,' but 'stringendo' typically implies a more intense and dramatic acceleration.
Stringendo meaning with examples
- As the orchestra approached the climax of the symphony, the conductor signaled a stringendo, urging the musicians to quicken the pace. The violins and cellos responded, increasing the intensity of the melody. This helped produce a thrilling anticipation, leading to the triumphant final chords of the piece which were even more effective due to the stringendo.
- The pianist, playing a dramatic Chopin nocturne, employed a stringendo during the passage leading up to the fortissimo section. This quickening, coupled with an increase in volume, heightened the emotional impact and made the contrast in the following section of music even more impactful on the listener, leaving them in awe of the performance.
- The choir master instructed the singers to perform the final verse of the anthem with a stringendo, building excitement as they approached the final sustained note. This intensification in tempo added a layer of emotion, emphasizing the words of the piece, thus, enhancing the overall presentation and capturing the audience's emotion.
- In the jazz piece, the trumpet player added a small stringendo near the end of his improvised solo, accelerating the rhythmic drive of the music. The band followed the tempo change, injecting a surge of energy into the ensemble, thus creating a highly memorable moment within the jazz tune.