what is a toccata

A toccata is a virtuosic piece of music typically written for a keyboard or plucked string instrument that allows the musician to show off their range of skills. It is characterized by full chords, rapid runs, high harmonies, and other virtuoso techniques. The toccata form was of great importance in the French romantic organ school, and it usually consists of rapid chord progressions combined with a powerful tune. Toccatas might include lots of fast runs, embellishments, and full chords to demonstrate the players dexterity to its full extent. The term "toccata" stems from the Italian word for "touch," as this type of composition is used to highlight just how well a musician can play, demonstrating their technique. Toccatas can often sound as though they have been improvised on the spot. Examples of famous toccatas include Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, which features dramatic chords and rapid arpeggios and has become synonymous with horror films due to its eerie intro.