The term "crescendo" comes from the Italian word "crescere," which means "to grow" or "to increase." The earliest known use of the term in a musical context dates back to 1607, when it was used by the Italian composer Adriano Banchieri in his treatise "L'organo suonarino." In this treatise, Banchieri describes how to use the crescendo to create a sense of drama and excitement in music.
The crescendo became increasingly popular among Baroque composers in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was used in a wide variety of musical genres, including operas, concertos, and sonatas. Some of the most famous examples of Baroque music that use the crescendo include the opening of Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's Messiah.
The crescendo was a revolutionary musical technique that allowed composers to create a wider range of emotional expression in their music. It is an essential part of Baroque music, and it continues to be used by composers today.