voluntary

In music, a generic term for a quasi-improvisatory composition of the 16th century, but more specifically a piece for solo organ played at the beginning or end of a church service. As the name suggests, the organ voluntary is often free in style, and may be improvised. During the 16th century voluntaries were usually short contrapuntal pieces, without a cantus firmus (‘fixed melody’). In the 17th and 18th centuries they developed a more secular style, incorporating elements of the suite, sonata, toccata, and even the operatic aria. Composers of voluntaries include Henry Purcell, John Blow, and Samuel Wesley.