J.S. Bach: Toccatas, BWV 910-916

Featuring

Masaaki Suzuki
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Composer Biography

Bach's autograph scores for these Toccatas do not survive, and information about their origin and use is limited.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The 'stylus phantasticus' tradition, to which Bach's Toccatas belong, emphasizes contrast and virtuosity, using contrasting styles and moods to create a carefully constructed musical drama.

Composition History

Bach's Toccatas were not conceived as a set by the composer, unlike his more famous keyboard works, and the collection of seven Toccatas as they appear today was only established in the 20th century.

Performer Biography

Masaaki Suzuki, the performer on this album, is the founder and music director of the Bach Collegium Japan, an ensemble he has led since 1990.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in February 2018 at Kobe Shoin Women's University Chapel in Japan, with Thore Brinkmann as producer and sound engineer.

Compositional Technique

Bach's Toccatas are through-composed and rooted in the North German toccata tradition, which Athanasius Kircher called 'stylus phantasticus' – a free and unfettered method of composition.