A "Toccata" is a musical composition typically for keyboard instruments, such as the organ or piano. It is characterized by its free form and virtuosic style, allowing the performer to showcase their technical skill. Toccatas often feature rapid passages, intricate finger work, and bold contrasts in dynamics. Historically, the term originated in the late Renaissance and became popular during the Baroque period, with notable composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti contributing to the genre. Toccatas can serve various purposes, including as standalone pieces or as introductions to larger works, such as fugues.