crescendo pedal

[krəˈʃɛndoʊ ˈpɛdəl]
nounpl: crescendo pedals
pedal de crescendo
1. A pedal mechanism on a piano or organ that gradually increases the volume of sound by progressively engaging more strings or pipes without requiring the performer to strike individual keys harder
The organist used the crescendo pedal to build intensity throughout the final movement of the symphony.
O organista usou o pedal de crescendo para construir intensidade durante todo o movimento final da sinfonia.
2. On an organ specifically, a pedal that adds stops progressively to create a dynamic crescendo effect
By pressing the crescendo pedal, the organist could add each stop in sequence without manual manipulation.
Ao pressionar o pedal de crescendo, o organista podia adicionar cada registro em sequência sem manipulação manual.
The crescendo pedal is primarily used in classical music performance on organs and some pianos. In Brazil, as in most countries, this is a technical term used primarily by musicians, music teachers, and organ/piano enthusiasts. It represents the sophisticated mechanical innovation in keyboard instruments that allows performers to create dynamic effects without manual intervention on every note, which is especially valued in European classical music traditions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
swell pedalexpression pedalcrescendo mechanism
Antonyms / Antônimos
diminuendo pedalsoft pedal

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pedal de crescendo
Standard term used across Brazil in musical contexts
São Paulo
pedal de crescendo
Common in classical music conservatories and concert halls
Portugal
pedal de crescendo
Same terminology used in Portuguese classical music tradition
USA
crescendo pedal
Primary term in English-speaking musical contexts

Related Words

organ pedalpiano pedalmusical dynamicscrescendostop

Related Idioms & Phrases

to press the crescendo pedal
building to a crescendo
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