[rodgersorgan] Re: Toccata & Fugue in D Minor - Bach




After all these years, I still enjoy playing this piece. My copy shows 
$.80 from 1966. Wow, I wish I could still get music at these prices!

My particular practice recommendations:

Watch the articulation of the manual notes when the pedals come in at 
the end of measures 16,17,19 & 20 of the Toccata. I don't know why, but 
perhaps the appearance of simplicity in these measures gives some 
organists the thought that strict attention need not be paid here. Just 
one of those touchy subjects to me, as I have heard many play this part 
poorly.

Spend some quality time with measures 49 through 51 in the Fugue. I 
always found these particularly tough and disruptions here are sure to 
spoil the development of the Fugue, leading into an exciting part of the 
piece with the introduction of the Fugue's theme in the pedal and the 
resolution of the phrase in measures 54 through 57. By the way, in the 
Schirmer edition, please ignore the recommended use of the swell pedal 
here. Use good registration to bring out the dynamics. (Yup, I'm a 
purist that way).

Work out very early on in practice sessions how to handle the many 
sections of echo in the Fugue. There have been several efforts for 
different interpretations of where to break the phrase for the manuals 
back and forth. I prefer a traditional style here, but I suppose that 
arguments could be made for the others. The important point here is to 
pick your interpretation early and stick with it. Changing a pattern 
practiced over many years here is difficult!

Watch tempo in 115-120. It is easy to rush here. Let the marvelous 
harmonic development that Bach wrote create the excitement and let it 
unfold in its own time.

It never ceases to amaze me how Bach was able to work within the 
"confines" of the Baroque style, as some have put it, and then just go 
wherever he wished harmonically.

Hope my $.02 helps and did not come across too pedantic. It is meant in 
good spirit.

Happy practicing to all.

Scott
-------------------------------------------------------
noel jones wrote:

Having met a gentleman in his 60's today who has never learned the
T&F....(everybody plays it so why bother learning it was his attitude
for many years!) what would be your advice when it comes to learning the 
piece?
--
noel jones, aago
athens, tennessee, usa

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