Phillip Sear plays piano pieces that are either capriccios, or have capricious elements (including waltz-caprices, mazurka-caprices etc. “The term “capriccio” (or caprice) refers to a piece of music that's lively and energetic, often defying strict structure. These pieces tend to be fast-paced and showcase the performer's technical skill.
Capriccios have a long history, dating back to the 16th century. Initially applied to vocal works like madrigals, the term eventually encompassed instrumental pieces, especially for keyboard instruments during the Baroque era. Renowned composers like Bach and Frescobaldi created capriccios that were short and displayed their contrapuntal mastery. The tradition continued with virtuoso violinists like Paganini, who composed show-stopping capriccios to flaunt their abilities. The capriccio's free form allowed composers to experiment and express a playful spirit, making it an enduring concept throughout musical history.” (Gemini, 10/3/24).
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