toccata
pronunciation
How to pronounce toccata in British English:
UK [təˈkɑ:tə]
How to pronounce toccata in American English:
US [təˈkɑtə]
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- Noun:
- a baroque musical composition (usually for a keyboard instrument) with full chords and rapid elaborate runs in a rhythmically free style
Word Origin
- toccata
- toccata: see touch
- toccata (n.)
- 1724, from Italian toccata, from toccare "to touch," from Vulgar Latin *toccare (see touch (v.)). "A composition for a keyboard instrument, intended to exhibit the touch and technique of the performer, and having the air of an improvisation" [OED].
Example
- 1. Leopold stokowski was already a famous conductor with many recordings to his name when he talked disney into opening " fantasia " to the sound of the " toccata and fugue in d minor " .
- 2. During his early years in weimar ( 1703 1717 ) he composed mostly religious music including some of his most renowned works for organ the passacaglia and double fugue in c minor and the toccata and fugue in d minor .