In Latin virtus - virtue, talent. However, the music is derived from the definition that it has acquired a specific value. Virtuoso called musicians, fluent technique of his instrument. Virtuoso singers are not afraid of any difficulties and can fulfill any grace: so from the Italian word fioritura - bloom - called "decoration" vocal melodies.
Works technically very complex, full of difficult passages, called virtuoso.
In the middle of the XIX century in the definition of "virtuoso" appeared critical tone. The fact that at this time the obsession with virtuosity became very strong. Many pianists, violinists tried whatever it was to show off their technique, often forgetting about the expressiveness of music, about its contents. With such surface virtuosos struggled advanced musicians List, brothers Rubinstein, Paganini.