E. Power Biggs - Bach Toccata & Fugue in D minor on 14 organs *part 1 of 6*

*Part 1 of 6*

Here's a very special treat for fans of E. Power Biggs and the Toccata in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach

I found an old LP from 1958 with Biggs performing the Toccata in D minor on 14 notable European Organs from the last 5 centuries

...a High Fidelity survey of historic instruments and a Study in Organ Tone and Construction

I think this will show that Biggs didn't always play like a "machine" or "Metronomic" and there is no correct tempo or "correct way" to play this very famous piece as you will hear that each of the 14 performances vary. There is one correct way to play the piece but Mr. Bach isn't here to let us know which is the correct way (arrangement, registration, rhythmic structure, etc.)

The LP has 14 tracks. The first 13 feature the Toccata only with the last track featuring both the Toccata & Fugue in D minor

I've compiled it down to 6 parts. Here is part 1 of 6 with the first 3 performances of the Toccata (only) in D minor.

(Side 1)
1. Oscarskyrkan, Stockholm Sweden, on the 1953, Marcussen organ
2. Benediktinerabtei, Weingarten Germany on the 1737 Gabler organ
3. St. Jacobi Kirche, Lübeck Germany - organ 15th century, unknown; 1950, Kemper

Check out the other 11. It's a fun ride!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• power
• biggs
• bach
• toccata
• fugue
• minor
• pipe
• organ
• oscarskyrkan
• benediktinerabtei
• st.
• jacobi
• kirche
• marcussen
• gabler
• kemper
• BWV
• 565

[stumiller]

Thanks for posting these. 

[john1801rambo]

@hicktoast - the mordent above the note is the indication to play the ornament.

[bcschmerker]

E. Power Biggs used the Toccata from BWV 565 as the constant for comparison of sounds across "schools" of organbuilding. Quite scientific.

[robotypist]

OMG! I remember this album from when I was a child. My parents had it. They probably still do! (I'm 55 now). I used to listen to the whole album. I loved this piece and I still do! Thanks for posting!!!

[eameece]

Because the A-G-A is indicated by the trill marker above the A.

[hicktoast]

the opening has 2 notes A-G-A right?

how come in the music in the picture there's only an "A" at the beginning?

[r06u3AP]

Back in the days when there was no radio, no television, no recordings, no internet, nothing! Can you imagine what it must have been like to hear something like this performed live? I don't believe that I can.