toccata

American  

[tuh-kah-tuh, tawk-kah-tah] / təˈkɑ tə, tɔkˈkɑ tɑ /

noun

Music.

plural

toccatas, toccate

1. a composition in the style of an improvisation, for the piano, organ, or other keyboard instrument, intended to exhibit the player's technique.

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toccata British  

/ təˈkɑːtə /

noun

1. a rapid keyboard composition for organ, harpsichord, etc, dating from the baroque period, usually in a rhythmically free style

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Etymology

Origin of toccata

1715–25; < Italian: “touched,” feminine past participle of toccare touch

Example Sentences

“The BBC would come by and see what’s going on with the student body. I’d written a toccata in the style of Khachaturian, and they said, ‘Oh really?

From The New Yorker • May 3, 2017

In this bright, fidgety orchestral version the music hovers somewhere between a perpetual-motion toccata and country-fiddle hoedown, though a pensive middle section alters the mood for a while.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2016

During an early scene in the film, Blanca entertains the guests with a performance of a sprightly toccata by the 18th-century composer Paradisi.

From New York Times • Jul. 29, 2016

J. Reilly Lewis will lead the ensemble and organist Todd Fickley in a cantata, toccata and fugue.

From Washington Post • Apr. 29, 2016

In the latter Bach sometimes exhibits all the objectivity of the study or toccata, and often wears his heart in full view.

From Chopin : the Man and His Music by Huneker, James