What is the significance of a toccata in music and how does it differ from other musical forms?

A toccata in music is a virtuosic piece that showcases a performer's technical skill and improvisational abilities. It is characterized by fast, intricate passages and often features a free-form structure. Unlike other musical forms like sonatas or symphonies, toccatas prioritize the display of the performer's prowess rather than adhering to a strict compositional framework.