ETUDE (Fr.), in music, has not only the ordinary meaning of a study or technical exercise but also that of a finished composi tion, based on the treatment of a particular type of phrase or figure and possessed therefore of a study-like character. An etude in this sense may be a study, not only from the standpoint of the performer, but also from that of the composer, as an essay in the handling of the material which he has chosen. Chopin's etudes for the pianoforte contain some of his choicest inspirations, while Schumann's Etudes Symphoniques may be similarly ranked.