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capriccio

Pronunciation: /kəˈprɪtʃɪəʊ/

Definition of capriccio

noun (plural capriccios)

1a lively piece of music, typically one that is short and free in form: its four acts contain a number of capriccios and chorales

2a painting or other work of art representing a fantasy or a mixture of real and imaginary features: two capriccios by de la Joue which fitted 18th century frames

Origin:

early 17th century (denoting a sudden change of mind): from Italian, literally 'head with the hair standing on end', hence 'horror', later 'a sudden start' (influenced by capra 'goat', associated with frisky movement), from capo 'head' + riccio 'hedgehog'