Bagatelle

(Fr., trifle). A short, light piece without specific form, usually for keyboard. The term was first used by FRANÇOIS COUPERIN for a RONDEAU (Les Bagatelles, 1717). LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN wrote three sets for piano (opp. 33, 119, 126), many of which are far from trifling. Many other composers have used this term through the modern era.

FRANZ LISZT'S Bagatelle ohne Tonart, written c.1880 and published after his death, is remarkable in that it lacks a key signature and also cultivates augmented fourths (TRITONES), major sevenths, and other dissonant intervals, forecasting 20th-century works.