Which term captures a sense of gradual increase in music?

The term that captures a sense of gradual increase in music is "crescendo." In musical notation, a crescendo indicates that the music should gradually get louder over a specified section. This dynamic change enhances the emotional intensity of the music, allowing for a buildup that can lead to a climactic point within a piece.

Crescendos can be used to convey a variety of moods and feelings, often creating anticipation or excitement as the sound grows more powerful. This technique is commonly employed in compositions across various genres, from classical to contemporary music, emphasizing the evolution of the sound over time.

In contrast, a decrescendo signifies a gradual decrease in volume, while a fermata indicates a pause or hold on a note or rest, without relating to volume change. A solo refers to a performance by a single musician and does not specifically imply anything about dynamics. Understanding these terms and their implications helps in interpreting and performing music effectively.