capriccio

[ kuh-pree-chee-oh; Italian kah-preet-chaw ]

noun

, plural ca·pric·ci·os, ca·pric·ci [k, uh, -, pree, -chee, kah-, preet, -chee].

1. Music. a composition in a free, irregular style.
2. a caper; prank.
3. a whim; caprice.

capriccio

/ kəˈprɪtʃɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. music a lively piece composed freely and without adhering to the rules for any specific musical form

Word History and Origins

Origin of capriccio¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; Italian “sudden startle,” possibly from capra “nanny goat” or capro “billy goat” (as of the skipping of a kid or goat), from Vulgar Latin capriceus “goat” (unattested); possibly from capo capo ²( def ) and riccio (adjective) “curly,” (noun) “hedgehog” ( arriccio ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of capriccio¹

C17: from Italian: caprice

Example Sentences

A capriccio on the German flute, by a distinguished amateur, who has lost four fingers and a thumb.

From Project Gutenberg

I had in mind the definition of a capriccio given by Praetorius, the celebrated musical authority of the eighteenth century.

From Project Gutenberg

That is why I wrote another concerto, which I called Capriccio, that name seeming to indicate best the character of the music.

From Project Gutenberg

The Brussels concert at which I played my Capriccio, which was repeated on the following day, has left a very pleasant memory.

From Project Gutenberg

An adagio may set a gouty father to sleep, and a capriccio may operate successfully on the nerves of a valetudinary mother.

From Project Gutenberg