Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, plural toc·ca·tas, toc·ca·te [tuh–kah-tee; Italian tawk-kah-te] /təˈkɑ ti; Italian tɔkˈkɑ tɛ/. Music.
- a composition in the style of an improvisation, for the piano, organ, or other keyboard instrument, intended to exhibit the player’s technique.
noun
- a rapid keyboard composition for organ, harpsichord, etc, dating from the baroque period, usually in a rhythmically free style
1724, from Italian toccata, from toccare “to touch.” A composition for keyboard instrument, intended to exhibit the touch and technique of the performer, and having the air of an improvisation.