A recital is a performance of music, usually by a single musician or small ensemble. Pieces performed at a recital can include sonatas, which are multi-movement works for a solo instrument or small ensemble; etudes, which are short pieces designed to help the performer practice a particular technique; toccatas, which are fast-paced pieces often featuring improvisation; ARIAS, which are vocal pieces from operas or cantatas; SOLI, which are pieces for multiple instruments; and solos, which are pieces for a single instrument.