What type of musical composition is characterized by being a virtuosic piece common during the Baroque Period?

A toccata is a type of musical composition that is known for its virtuosic qualities, particularly during the Baroque Period. Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach made significant contributions to this genre, creating works that are elaborate and showcase a performer’s technical skill on an instrument. Toccatas generally have a free-form structure, which allows for improvisational flair and rapid passages, emphasizing the dexterity and expressiveness of the musician. This characteristic makes the toccata distinct from other forms like sonatas, fugues, or concertos, which may focus more on structured development or thematic material rather than purely virtuosic performance.