Dramatic Crescendos in Classical Music: From Dvorak to Sci-Fi

The use of crescendos in classical music has been a powerful tool for composers for centuries. A crescendo is a gradual increase in volume, and when used effectively, it can create a variety of emotional impacts, from tension and excitement to drama and raw intensity. In this article, we will explore some of the most dramatic and memorable crescendos in classical music and even venture into the realm of film scores.

The Finale of Dvorak's Cello Concerto: A Seniors' Favorite

Perhaps one of the most iconic examples of a powerful crescendo comes from Antonín Dvo?ák's Cello Concerto. The finale of this piece is simply spine tingling, and it became one of the favorite classes for senior chemistry majors at Rutgers University. It was taught by the chorus director F. Walter Austin, and even students who were otherwise deeply into chemistry and organic compounds found the music incredibly appealing. After the exam, the students would return to the dorm to listen to another masterpiece, Brahms' First Symphony, which also included many exciting moments.

Scriabin's Poem of Ecstasy: A Mystical and Inflammatory Crescendo

Another example of a dramatic crescendo is found in the final climax of the Poem of Ecstasy (Op. 54) by Alexander Scriabin, composed in 1908. The music is a masterpiece of control, spanning an impressive 2'41" from the beginning to the end, creating an almost 20-minute crescendo. The intensity of the piece is so great that it has been described as a mystical celebration of cosmicsex in music. The conductor of a performance at a recent event was visibly exhausted, brewing sweat profusely; his exertion was a testament to the piece's power. Notably, Sir Adrian Boult, a revered conductor, called the piece "evil" and refused to conduct it, reflecting its controversial and intense nature.

A Mendelssohn Crescendo: Musician's Expertise in Dramatic Composition

The subtlety and depth of Mendelssohn's Variations Sérieuses (1845) are also worthy of mention. In one of the variations, Murray Perahia's performance in 1974 at the 10:10 mark captures the essence of the piece with a crescendo that heightens the dramatic tension and emotional weight. This performance is just one example of how gifted musicians can enhance the impact of a crescendo, transforming a simple increase in volume into a profound emotional journey for the listener.

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the Unmatched Crescendo

The climax of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is arguably the apotheosis of a crescendo. The First Movement of this symphony is a testament to the power of this musical technique. The layers of intensity build upon one another, culminating in a conclusion that is both cathartic and exhilarating. It is a prime example of how a crescendo can elevate a composition to new heights, balancing dramatic tension with emotional release.

From Concert Halls to the Silver Screen: Crescendos in Film Scores

While crescendos are often associated with live performances, they have also left their indelible mark on the world of film scores. Composers have used this technique to create breathtaking soundscapes and climactic moments in movies. For example, the soundtrack for the science fiction film Starship Troopers features a track called Klendathu Drop, which skillfully uses crescendos to build anticipation and excitement. More recently, the score for Interstellar includes the Endurance Suite, which provides a haunting and epic backdrop for the film's most dramatic moments. These film scores serve to underscore the power of crescendos in evoking emotion and enhancing the storytelling experience.

Whether in the grand halls of a concert hall or the fictional worlds of a film, the crescendo is a fundamentally powerful technique in classical music and beyond. It has the ability to transport listeners to different moods and emotions, making it a versatile and indispensable tool for composers and performers alike.