Toccata con Fuga in D minor for Organ BWV 565

J S Bach Toccata con Fuga in D minor for Organ BWV 565
Offprint from Organ Works Volume 6: Preludes, Toccatas, Fantasias and Fugues II BA5266

When he wrote his Toccata and Fugue in D minor at the age of about 20, Bach would hardly have been able to fathom what a hit he was about to land.  More than 300 years later, the composition not only enjoys great popularity within his entire extensive oeuvre, but can unhesitatingly be considered the most famous work in organ literature ever, widely cited in popular culture and films.

Three fast descending motives leading into fermatas open the piece most effectively and leave a lasting impression on the listener.  The following diminished seventh chord that builds dissonantly from below over the pedal point "d" creates great tension, which is released in virtuoso passagework in the further course of the composition.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the publishing house in 2023/2024, Bärenreiter presents this single edition as part of the publication of a series of popular works from its catalogue.  The Urtext edition represents an excerpt from volume 6 (BA05266) of J. S. Bach's organ works and is based on the “New Bach Edition-revised”.