The toccatas were likely used by Bach for his own display, and can be played on organ, harpsichord, or piano, as the original intended instrument is unclear.
Composer Biography
Bach was also criticized by authorities for allowing an "unfamiliar maiden"—likely his second cousin Maria Barbara, whom he later married—to make music in the choir loft.
Performer Biography
Angela Hewitt, a leading pianist, is especially renowned for her award-winning recordings of all major keyboard works by Bach, described as "one of the record glories of our age."
Composer Biography
At age 18, Johann Sebastian Bach walked for ten days to Lübeck to hear the great organist Buxtehude, demonstrating his determination and curiosity.
Composition History
Bach's seven keyboard toccatas, possibly begun in 1705, were not grouped by him as a collection and exist only in copies made by family and students, showing many variants.
Composer Biography
Bach was reprimanded by Arnstadt authorities for staying too long in Lübeck and for confusing the congregation with "many curious variationes in the chorale."
Compositional Technique
The 'stylus fantasticus' is a free and unrestrained method of composing, bound to nothing, designed to display genius and the hidden design of harmony.
