Describing music in writing

[Jake Reynolds]

One other thing, and apologies if this has been said- though common parlance (i.e. people getting it wrong) has created the sub-definition, a crescendo is not the high point or climax, but rather the build up to a high point or climax. Just my two cents as, like 'myriad', I often see it used incorrectly.

 

[Mouse]

S'alright, I don't mention the word 'crescendo' once.

 

[nightdreamer]

I like either yours or Abernovo's version. The emotional appeal is the important part; the technical issues are probably superfluous unless essential somehow for the story. "Two basset horns in F" won't mean much to 99.99% of readers. I'm into classical music and I have no idea what a basset horn is. Here's the part that sends chills down my spine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MQf-86ikvM

 

[Mouse]

I do use the dies irae bit!