Music. [It. toccata, ‘toccáta d’vn musico, a preludium that cunning musitions vse to play as it were voluntary before any set lesson’ (Florio, 1611); lit. ‘a touching,’ f. toccare to touch.] A composition for a keyboard instrument, intended to exhibit the touch and technique of the performer, and having the air of an improvisation; in later times loosely applied.
1724. Short Explic. For. Wds. in Mus. Bks., Toccata, or Toccato, is of much the same Signification as the Word Ricercata.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., But what distinguishes the Toccata from other kinds of symphonies, is, first, its being usually played on instruments that have keys, as organs, spinnets, &c. Secondly, that it is commonly composed to exercise both hands.
1855. Browning, A Toccata of Galuppi’s, 18. While you sat and played Toccatas, stately at the clavichord.
1875. Stainer & Barrett, Dict. Mus. Terms (1898), Toccata, (1) a prelude or overture … (2) Compositions written as exercises. (3) A fantasia. (4) A suite.
fig. 1903. Trawl, May, 22. A sigh of wind; and through the cool air sprang Toccatas of sharp patterings.
