Definition

1. Adjective & Adverb (Music): A musical direction indicating that the tempo (speed) and volume (loudness) should decrease gradually and simultaneously.

Usage

• As a performance instruction: "Calando" is written on a musical score to instruct the performer(s) to slow down and become quieter at the same time, creating a fading or dying away effect.
• Placement: It typically appears above or below the staff at the point where the change should begin.

Examples

• The score indicated for the final four bars, so the orchestra faded the music to a whisper.
• The pianist executed the passage beautifully, making the melody seem to disappear into silence.
• The conductor signaled for a effect, even though it wasn't marked in the parts.

Advanced Usage

• Interpretive Effect: "Calando" is often used at the end of a piece or a section to create a sense of conclusion, relaxation, or dissipation. It is more specific than simply "slowing down" () or "getting quieter" (), as it combines both effects.
• Comparative Instructions: It is related to, but distinct from, other musical terms:
  • Smorzando (or morendo): Means "dying away," often implying a more dramatic or rapid fade than calando.
  • Perdendosi: Means "losing itself," similar to calando but can imply a loss of clarity or definition along with volume and tempo.

Variants and Related Words

• Cal. (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for in musical notation.
• Decrescendo (n., adj., adv.): Gradually decreasing in volume only.
• Ritardando (adj., adv.): Gradually decreasing in tempo only.
• Diminuendo (n., adj., adv.): Synonymous with ; gradually decreasing in volume.

Synonyms

• Decreasing (in context)
• Fading (in context)
• Dying away (in context)

Antonyms

• Crescendo: Gradually increasing in volume.
• Accelerando: Gradually increasing in tempo.
• Stringendo: Pressing forward, becoming gradually faster and often louder.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• A calando passage: Refers to a section of music marked to be performed with a gradual decrease in tempo and volume.
• To play calando: The act of performing with this specific combined effect.

Adjective

1. gradually decreasing in tempo and volume