DictionaryvoluntaryChurch organ music
noun

voluntary

A short organ solo played during a church service.

The organist plays a voluntary after the service.

Etymology

The will-based adjective was applied to music played freely or at the performer's discretion. It became the name for an organ piece used around church services.

More examples

  • Several voluntaries filled the program.
  • He composed a short voluntary.
  • The voluntary ended softly.

Forms

voluntary · voluntaries

Similar words

prelude
An introductory piece rather than any service solo.
interlude
Music between other parts rather than necessarily an organ voluntary.