E. Power Biggs - Bach Toccata & Fugue in D minor on 14 organs *part 2 of 6*

*Part 2 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 varies. Well 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 2 of 6 with the next 3 performances of the Toccata (only) in D minor.

(Side 1)
4. St. Johannis Kirche, Lüneberg Germany - organ 1552, unknown; 1954, von Beckerath
5. St. Jacobi Kirche, Hamburg Germany - organ 1516, Stüven, Iversand; 1693, Arp Schnitger
6. Steinkirche, Steinkirchen Germany - organ 1540, Hoyer; 1685, Arp Schnitger

Category:

Music

Tags:

• biggs
• bach
• toccata
• fugue
• minor
• pipe
• organ
• arp
• schnitger
• BWV
• 565

[bcschmerker]

The Hoyer/Schnitger organ this Recording is in an almost "studio" context, with considerably shorter reverbration at the Steinkirche than the preceding examples.

[TheycallmeboriS]

woooo that's amazing