Capstan (music)

A capstan in music refers to a gradual, continuous increase or decrease in volume during a piece, similar to a slow fade. It’s often used for dramatic or expressive effect, creating a sense of building tension or fading away. Think of it as a smooth, steady swell or diminish in loudness, typically achieved with careful control of dynamics by performers or through mixing techniques in recordings, enhancing the emotional impact without abrupt changes.