Toccata
/təˈkɑːtə/noun
A fast piece of music for a keyboard instrument, usually done by one player.
He performed a toccata by Johann Sebastian Bach on the piano.
Often appears as...
- toccata and fugue
- toccata in d minor
Usage tips
Musical
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Keyboard Showcase
A toccata highlights the performer's skill on keyboard instruments like piano or organ.
The virtuoso's toccata was a dazzling display of her keyboard mastery.
Pro Tip 2/3Classical Genre
It's a term most often used in classical music, rare in pop or rock genres.
I'm learning a classical toccata, not a pop song, for my recital.
Pro Tip 3/3Baroque Association
Toccatas are strongly associated with the Baroque period, composers like Bach are famous for them.
Most of the well-known toccatas were composed during the Baroque era.
Compare with
chaconnedivertimentofanfarefantasiafuguepreludesonatavoluntary
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