„Hence this style is the most free and unconstrained manner of setting, singing and playing music one can possibly imagine, for one quickly turns from one idea to the next as all sorts of otherwise unusual passages, hidden embellishments, profound turns and ornaments are brought forth without actual observation of the beat and note, now with urgency, now with hesitation, now one part, now many parts; now also shortly after the beat: without strict measure; but not without the intention to please, to precipitate and astound.“

Johann Mattheson, Der Vollkommene Capellmeister (Hamburg 1739)