Both Uses

crescendo
in
The Miracle Worker
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Time, in the form of a slow tune of distant belfry chimes which approaches in a crescendo and then fades, passes; the light comes up again on a day five years later, on three kneeling children and an old dog outside around the pump.†
p. 3.9 *

crescendo = gradual increase in intensity; or maximum intensity
The lights half dim on the homestead, where VINEY and HELEN going about their business soon find their way of Meanwhile, the rail road sounds off left have mounted in a crescendo to a climax typical of a depot at arrival time, the lights come on stage left, and we see a suggestion of a station.†
p. 22.1

Definitions:

(1) (crescendo)
a gradual increase in intensity; or the time of maximum intensity -- especially in the loudness of music
(2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)