capriccio

American  

[kuh-pree-chee-oh, kah-preet-chaw] / kəˈpri tʃiˌoʊ, kɑˈprit tʃɔ /

noun

plural

capriccios, capricci

1. Music. a composition in a free, irregular style.

2. a caper; prank.

3. a whim; caprice.

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capriccio British  

/ kəˈprɪtʃɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. music a lively piece composed freely and without adhering to the rules for any specific musical form

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Etymology

Origin of capriccio

First recorded in 1595–1605; Italian “sudden startle,” possibly from capra “nanny goat” or capro “billy goat” (as of the skipping of a kid or goat), from Vulgar Latin capriceus “goat” (unattested); possibly from capo capo ² ( def. ) and riccio (adjective) “curly,” (noun) “hedgehog” ( arriccio ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

Others he retrofitted into capriccios of the multifaith city, whose inhabitants worshiped a collection of Babylonian, Phoenician and Greek gods.

From New York Times

Between are alternately dreamy and lively capriccios by both; all is played with style, flair and velvety touch by Mr. Wosner, given spirited support by Mr. Collon and the Danes.

From New York Times

It’s another capriccio, showing the Pantheon half buried in a sloping field, with a curious fountain in front.

From Washington Post

Renowned for landscapes in which ancient monuments and modern buildings were arranged in imaginary scenes called architectural capriccios, he was nicknamed “Robert des ruines” by the philosopher Denis Diderot.

From New York Times

No, I'm thinking more along "The Carol Burnett Show" lines, but in the key of Murray, which is to say dolci yet dolente with moments of capriccio.

From Los Angeles Times