abouchement
n. C / Un. a way of playing a musical note so that it starts very softly and then gets louder. It is often used in classical music to make the sound feel more natural.
n. a musical technique involving a gradual increase in volume from a soft beginning to a louder middle, followed by a return to a softer level. Often used to describe the natural swell of a note in string or wind instruments.
The violinist used a beautiful abouchement to start the piece.
The conductor requested a specific abouchement on the opening theme to create a sense of mystery and tension.
While the term is less common in modern pedagogy, the abouchement remains a vital expressive tool for string players seeking to replicate the organic swell of a human voice.
Last updated June 22, 2026