What does a "crescendo" indicate in a musical score?

A crescendo in a musical score signifies a gradual increase in volume or intensity throughout a passage. This dynamic marking instructs musicians to progressively play louder, creating a sense of buildup and emotional intensity. Crescendos are often used to enhance the expressive qualities of a piece, drawing the listener's attention and fostering engagement with the music.

In contrast, the other options touch on different musical elements. A gradual decrease in volume is indicated by a "diminuendo," while a particular musical style would generally be referred to by a term specific to that style (such as baroque or jazz). A change in tempo would be notated using terms like "accelerando" (speeding up) or "ritardando" (slowing down). Each of these terms serves a distinct function in music notation and does not relate to the concept of crescendo.