volunteer, military volunteer, voluntary (noun)

(military) a person who freely enlists for service

voluntary (adj)

composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a religious service or musical performance

voluntary (adj)

of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled

"man is a voluntary agent"; "participation was voluntary"; "voluntary manslaughter"; "voluntary generosity in times of disaster"; "voluntary social workers"; "a voluntary confession"

voluntary (adj)

controlled by individual volition

"voluntary motions"; "voluntary muscles"

voluntary (Noun)

A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument

voluntary (Noun)

A volunteer

voluntary (Adverb)

Voluntarily.

voluntary (Adjective)

Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

voluntary (Adjective)

Working or done without payment.

Voluntary

In music a voluntary is a piece of music, usually for organ, that is played as part of a church service. In English-speaking countries, the music played before and after the service is often called a 'voluntary', whether or not it is titled so. The title 'voluntary' was often used by English composers during the late Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. Originally, the term was used for a piece of organ music that was free in style, and was meant to sound improvised. This probably grew out of the practice of church organists improvising after a service. Later, the voluntary began to develop into a more definite form, though it has never been strictly defined. During the late 17th century, a 'voluntary' was typically written in a fugal or imitative style, often with different sections. In the 18th century the form typically began with a slow movement and then a fugue. Two to four movements were common, with contrasting tempos. In the 18th century England, the word 'voluntary' and 'fuge' were interchangeable. These English style 'fuges' do not follow the strict theoretic form of German-style fugues. They are more related to the 'fugues' written by Italian composers of the time.