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Toccata (from Italian toccare, "to touch") is a virtuoso piece of music typically for a keyboard or plucked string instrument featuring fast-moving, lightly fingered or otherwise virtuosic passages or sections, with or without imitative or fugal interludes, generally emphasizing the dexterity of the performer's fingers. Less frequently, the name is applied to works for multiple instruments (the opening of Claudio Monteverdi's opera Orfeo being a notable example).
Let's not forget the great Ravel Toccata, the last piece in "Le Tombeau de Couperin". Also agree with the Debussy, the last in "Pour le Piano". Another very effective one is Francis Poulenc's, from his 1928 Piano Suite.
Check out the Scarlatti. You can see that he was a big influence on Bach.
It's actually not known whether or not Bach knew Scarlatti's music (father or son).
"And if we look at the works of J.S. Bach — a benevolent god to which all musicians should offer a prayer to defend themselves against mediocrity... -Debussy
"It's ok if you disagree with me. I can't force you to be right."
Menotti, Ricercare & Toccata. I have no idea why this wonderful piece does not get played more often. This is Menotti's 100th birthday year, btw. (I also think his piano concerto should be programmed more often.)
"If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him." (John Holt)
Let's not forget the great Ravel Toccata, the last piece in "Le Tombeau de Couperin". Also agree with the Debussy, the last in "Pour le Piano". Another very effective one is Francis Poulenc's, from his 1928 Piano Suite.
