J.S. Bach: Toccata in F Major, BWV 540 (Official Dan Campolieta Live Performance Video)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
- Toccata in F Major, BWV 540
Johann Sebastian Bach
Dan Campolieta, organ
Recorded live at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT
April 3, 2013
www.dancampolieta.com
The longest of Bach's extant organ preludes, there is some question as to when this piece was actually composed, and if indeed it should be coupled with the Fugue in F Major, BWV 540/2, which is not nearly as grand and complex as the toccata. Due to this uncertainty, the toccata is often performed separately, as is the case here.
The work begins with a canon between the hands, with the right hand leading, over an F pedal tone in the bass. This is followed by an impressive pedal solo. After the piece's first cadence, Bach repeats the canon in inversion, with the left hand leading, now in the key of C Major. The second pedal solo ends with the hands rejoining with off-beat chords containing unexpected harmonies. These chords will serve as important transitional material for the rest of the piece.
The remainder of the toccata is joyous in character and has the feeling of an unending song, as cadences are rare and the piece is continually spinning in new directions. A new theme is introduced containing similar pitches to the opening canon, but with a more upward trajectory. This becomes a ritornello which leads through the circle of fifths. At the end of the episode, Bach returns to the transitional chords, leading to an unusual cadence (V to V 4/2 of Neopolitan) which also navigates through a B-A-C-H motif in the pedal.
Following is a trio based on the opening canon theme. At this point, all the material for the piece has been introduced. Bach continues to alternate between ritornello episodes and this trio material. Bach's contrapuntal mastery shines through because each time the trio section occurs, the parts are inverted so that by the end of the piece, each hand and the feet have played each of the three musical lines in their respective registers. From a technical standpoint, the pedal parts in these sections are some of the most difficult organ excerpts in the entire repertoire to perform in context.
The final ritornello episode is cut short and leads to a long coda beginning in B-flat and then transitioning to a long C pedal. For the last time, we hear the transitional chords, the V 4/2 of Neapolitan cadence, the B-A-C-H motif, and the final cadence in F Major.
Combining elements of the North German pedal toccata, Italian ritornello, and flawless counterpoint, it is no surprise why this piece is one of the most well-known of Bach's works.
Performed on the 1961 Aeolian-Skinner with 68 ranks at historic Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, CT. Dan Campolieta has served as Organist and Associate Music Director at Asylum Hill Congregational Church since 2007, and is also a composer and jazz pianist.
I’ve listened to a lot of performances of this work on RUclips and most are either slogs or speed races. This performance is right on the money for me tempo wise. Driving yet not overly so. The technique is superb and the registration amazing. Applause to Mr. Campolieta.
One thing is certain: if after I die I hear this I will be 100% certain that I am in the Good Place.
This is my first organ recording actually. I'm thinking of making a series of Bach videos though! I have an album of chamber music compositions if you are interested in something different, you can google my name and the CD Guided Imagery
That would be very nice
Thankyou for the hours; the years of dedication and sacrifice to delivering this divine performance.
@Dan Campolieta : your "first organ recordgin" is a master piece.
You did an absolutely fantastic job on the timing and choosing the right type of organ for this piece. Bravo.
Just hearing the first half second I know that you, the organ and the tempo are pure gold. Sure I will now hear it all!
*WELCOME TO ONE OF THE BEST RENDITIONS OF BWV540 EVER ON RUclips.*
And trust me : I love that 540 and I have heared _tons_ of it. _Actually, tons_ including accordion or orchestral covers, Power Biggs, Carpenter and other MC Allain rendtions, and v.Hoef, and v.Doeselaar, and Latry, and Chapuis, and so many....
The tempo, the registration and the overall way of playing that masterpiece : *everything is top notch* here.
Hats down. I kneel.
Ditto! I agree 🎶
7 years later, I get to listen to this.
It is totally magnificent, Dan!
Well done.
An absolutely outstanding performance of one of my favourite Bach compositions! Thank you very much!
You have written exactly what I wanted to say.
Still the best interpretation of BWV 540 on YT!
Best performance on RUclips. Better than any other by the most well known performers. Genius.
I agree, not too fast, nor too slow.
Thank you for listening!
Tremendous performance : exciting and majestic. The organ is beautifully voiced and combines exquisite tone with a wonderful dynamic, building to a thrilling conclusion.
Bach deserves enormous credit for sensing so early the huge emotional
and dramatic potentialities of the new harmonic processes, and for
exploiting them so effectively. . . . By harnessing harmonic tension to
govern and regulate the unfolding of the Toccata’s form, he managed
to invest that unfolding-to-completion with an unprecedented psycho-
logical import. Thanks to this newly psychologized deployment of
harmonic functions-in which harmonic goals are at once identified
and postponed, and in which harmonic motion is at once directed and
delayed-“abstract” musical structures could achieve both vaster
dimensions and a vastly more compelling emotional force than any
previously envisioned. ~Richard Taruskin, on Bach's BMV 540, cited
in Karol Berger, *Bach's Cycle, Mozart's Arrow*, p. 11.
Hi, Dan, its my favorit piece, too…..i am organist in one church in Croatia and often play this video for myself and enjoy in it every time. i would like to learn that toccata but its for me like a dream that never become true. But you make my dreaming true…..Thank you and God bless you!
Absolutely amazing! This is real music.....thanks for this!
WOW, WHAT GORGEOUS TECHNIQUE. IT IS LUSH, VIBRANAT AND PACED FOR PLEASURE AND GRANDEUR. THIS IS MY FAVORITE VERSION.
EVERY PHRASE FEELS NORMAL AND IN THE EXACT RIGHT PLACE. THIS IS MY FAVORITE ORGAN GENIUS.
A wonderful performance, full of life and fire ! Tremendous accents ! A masterful job of playing ! As for the 32' reed, Bach almost never performed on an instrument that had one. But, if he did have one, if it had no dead notes, if it was in tune, and if it had sufficient wind supply ... granted, a lot of "ifs" ... it's a pretty safe bet that he would have found a use for it, as with the final chords of 540. A dazzling performance Dan ! Give us more !
I have seen many compliments about your playing,tempo,and registration,Dan and I must say they are all well founded.The pipe organ is truly the King of instruments but unless it is played with authority and love it is no more than a jumble of notes.Somewhere in these post's someone mentions E Power Biggs and how close your interpretation of this piece is to his.I must agree whole-heartedly.For my money,Biggs was the best interpreter of Bach on the planet and for you to be mentioned as one who has close to the same ability(to me) is a great compliment.Bach was such a gifted composer and yet so many rush though his music as if in a race to finish quickly.Bravo,sir and my hope is you will continue to make and post videos for many years to come
HCD
His rendition on the pipe organ at Harvard University is unparalleled.
You need to hear Marie-Claire Alain, Karl Richter, and Nicholas Danby. America is a small off-European island.
Exquisite. Simply out of this world. The clarity, coherence and pace provides an exposition which really is exceptional.
Thank you very much, it's one of my all-time favorite Bach works as well, no question
Last evening, I heard Cameron Carpenter perform this piece live, and today, I listened to recordings of this toccata by E. Power Biggs, Diane Bish, and a few other organists. But I've got to say, yours is the best, Dan. Really beautifully done.
Sure. Obviously European interpretations will be of interest. I mean - we could look at it NOT as fff and ff throughout! And without the Fugue (which I play) we have no *real* idea of Dan's " ' ' theology ' ' "
Well Done.. This is absolutely the goto reference to open up this instrument and really see the dynamics of a organ; of course the instrumentalist has to be on their game for this piece; which you absolutely are!
A heroic Toccata played by a master organist!
Wonderful
I was exposed to this piece through Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "The Only Way (Hymn)." Words cannot express the beauty of this piece.
The pipe organ is by far the most beautiful most magnificent instrument in existence. It’s size, it’s sound is breathtaking
At 8:02 he is in full Bach mastery mode and knows it. I love it.
Masterful performance, Dan! May we hear of your artistry in the future. Good work by your videographer, as well. Timely shifts to your feet to show your awesome pedal technique!
Rise up to this music, Americans. This is music to rise up to. The music raises you. We need it now!
Bach sure didn't fuck around. Excellent playing and touch. One of the best interpretations I've heard, and I've heard a few. Well done!
This is my favorite piece of music ever written. I have listened to this recording several times a day for the last few months. My favorite interpretation of this piece by far. It's on my iPod right now and I can't get enough. Such a brilliant performance! I look forward to more videos!! Thank you so much for posting this! :)
Thanks Peter - I'm honored! It's such an unbelievable piece.
I’m longing for another organ upload!
Dear Dan. OMG - must agree with others - the best version I've ever heard. Like when baroque-music is played like this - without the dimminuendoe's , ritzardando's "romantic style" - let each single note be heard, and let the harmonies speak for themselves..... thank you very much... and love to see the video and se your hands and feet "play" the organ ... like when a performer loves what he does..... greetings from Denmark! ;-)
+Jan Petersen Thank you! I read (I think Peter Williams?) that the Toccata sort of has an "endless song" mentality to it, just keeps going and going and there are only a few times where breaks in the momentum are really effective.
+Dan Campolieta Master organist, composer and teacher Lionel Rogg wrote that Bach’s later organ toccatas are brilliant pieces characterized by an "uninterrupted movement" and "an implacable rhythm." Rogg said that in this Toccata in F, Bach established this as the "modern" toccata style, and in fact most toccatas since Bach do follow it.
+Jan Petersen Hi Jan. While I do agree that this performance of the 540 is absolutely fabulous (really) I would like to point you at the rendition of Prof. Ullrich Boehme for this 540 (available on youtube) for some good competition on which is the best interpretation :D
And many thanks to Dan Campolieta for sharing his talent with us.
+Yvan Azastrasz Hi Yvan - thank you for your comment. I have now heard the Boehme-version, and yes, indeed, it is a magnificent version. But...but....still. I do find the Campolieta-version the best. Compared, Bohemes tempo - he uses 7.58 min, and Campolieta 9.12. The tempo makes all the difference to me. Bohemes tempo makes everything very "compact" - I love that I can hear almost every single note in C's version - every disharmonie followed by the dissolvement into harmoni - in C's version I find the "fuga-effect" much clearer and more obvious......"and some like the mother and others the daughter" ;-) But thank you so much - the B version is magnificent - also because it is a live version - but also a much older organ, it seems, which gives the 540 yet another sound, and thereby a different expression! And so, I think we can agree on the beauty and wonderfullness of the 540 - and Bach!! ;-)
Jan Petersen Hi. Be careful, we could end up breaking the internet completely if we manage to have a decent conversation where we even politely disagree :) Indeed, Boehme's version is a bit faster than this one. I guess we just have a bit different sensibility when it comes to this piece of music (and I will never ever disagree on the wonderfulness of 540 or Bach).
I so envy the production! Beautifully captured! A personal favorite of mine. It's so sweetly conveyed.... Bach's music transcends on so many levels....
Agreed...this is the best I have heard on RUclips so far...the energy and massive power of this piece is amazing...puts all hard rockers to shame...for its is at the same time melodic and beautiful...
I am sure glad I ran across this one. I usually listen to Marie-Claire Alain or Karl Richter play this. This gives me the option of listening to a little slower and crystal clear masterful performance. The excellent microphone placement and the Church's acoustics didn't hurt either.
Fabulous. Terrific registration that allows a greater distinction between voices than many performances do.
Absolutely stunning performance. Majestic! This is one of the first organ works I heard. Thanks to the progressive rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer who uses this as a basis for the song Hymn - The Only Way from the album Tarkus (1971) It even comes with lyrics and vocals. Any way that song made me curious about organ music. I never looked back.
Magnificent, superbly played Maestro
A credible and definitive performance. I heard this organ almost 40 years ago and it is still lovely. Keep up the good work. Loved your performance.
That pedal point is amazing!
I was thinking that, too, as I listened. What a piece and what a performance!🌟
You're the best! Thank you for your performance!
I hear the notes in absolute clarity and strict timing, and... simply beautiful. One of the best I have heard. First organ recording?? Can't wait to hear the rest.
Majestic and spirited. Weaves its spell slowly, hypnotically, honestly, powerfully. Loved this piece for decades and this may be the definitive performance for me.
Spell come damned quickly, Edward Fox, after 1/2 a second. Nonetheless, thanks for writing the 'Booke of Martyrs" !
@@MartinSmithMFM Oh you're into pain and suffering too? :-D
@@lerkkweed Haha You took it in good part. I was praising this wonderful music. Only joy here! I got on to it because I found myself talking to a Microsoft agent about the Skype Ringtone, which I claimed was in F. But the guy did not know what, 'in F' might mean. Thus I looked. It is a piece my father referred to because he was rubbing shoulders with a St Paul's ex sub organist in about 1951 maybe; unsure. After that my father appreciated only the Goldbergs and the 48, not the organ. Shame. RIP
The greatest symbol of the spiritual journey; starting in joy, going through the struggle of learning, and bringing one to the experience of God. A great cathedral in sound. Best performance now on you tube.
Great performance. Clean and clear and well executed. Great sounding instrument. Take care and God Bless in your work.
Thanks alfasonn! It took some planning and a nice crew to put this together, so maybe recording two will be live ;). Thanks for checking it out.
One of my favortie pieces, played brilliantly
Tell me a better composer than Bach. Please. From Buxtehude to Mozart, where can you find? I haven't found him yet and I've listened to thousands of recordings from history. Bach is pure genius, he was one of a kind and his greatness overshadows any contemporary composer by MILES.
Who are the two fools that did not like this video? I mean, c'mon. Really? This dude is awesome!
It feels a little heavy and strained to me as if something is dragging it down. I know some of that is just the way this organ was voiced, but the articulation contributes to it as well.
And thank you, Dan, for the outstanding production quality of this video as well! Absolutely terrific with a good set of stereo headphones. Very exciting.
Dear Dan, by far this is THE BEST performance of this toccata in YT. And you know what, I just love the way you sustain the chords at the end of the phrases, it just adds such a sheer volume, such tridimensionality to the music, that it creates not only a musical construct, but an emotional one. Way to go man!!!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
Как же здорово! Мастер с большой буквы!
My organ-playing friends at London University nicknamed this "Aunty Mary had a white canary" because of the rhythm. That apart, I'm extremely impressed at the artist's playing of this enjoyable yet testing piece - Bravo!
I don’t know the significance of the droning sound in this piece, and also the fugue in BWV 564, though to me it seems symbolic of God. Excuse me for bringing God into it, and be to truthful I am a believer though not overly religious, though Bach was, so I think it’s fair game. This composition is so magnificent from start to finish, and the build-up and entrance of that sound at 8:03 just awes me and brings me chills and misty eyes.
I think you got the essence there of that drone underlying the spiralling spirit melodies of the canons, and also at the crowning glory of the mystic revelation at the end.
I've listened again and again. This video, and your performance, are extraordinarily fine. Thank you.
A canonical rendition, absolutely superb. A magnificent instrument played well.
I can't remember if I have left a comment on this video before but have seen it many times and I love how you play this fantastic piece of Bach!😁👍👏👏👏👏 I now also subscribe your RUclips channel!👍
Thank you Dianna! It is a beautiful church, in many ways
That's the best played one on RUclips. Almost as good as E. Power Biggs in my opinion.
Try this rendition: ruclips.net/video/0HowudzPGfc/видео.html
@@jasek911 @2bobaf @Y G -- I tried the GvH link, and I liked it -- it's fabulous -- thank you! . E Power Biggs, Dan Campolieta, Gert van Hoef, and Michael Schneider are all so very very good that I can listen to any of them with great pleasure.
@@benjacomin Exceeds E Power because of its freshness and verve
Great rendition of my favorite piece of all time of any kind! Best wishes in your musical career.
Thank you so much Eric - growing up, I used to listen to a recording of Michael Murray playing this piece on the Methuen (Mass.) Music Hall organ over and over again and it was a dream come true to learn the piece myself recently.
@@dancampolieta4891 Michael Murray was a great player.
Giovane molto talentuoso,interpretazione sontuosa .E si gira le pagine dello spartito da solo!
Dan, I really enjoyed this video it was SWELL or should I say GREAT. As a former AGO Member and Church Organist for 37 years, I've heard it performed so many times in the past and this is the best performance I have heard. Thank you for sharing and if you ever get to South Florida, look me up - we have the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church only 10 miles from me. LANCE ♫♪♫
Awesome performance. Thank you so much for sharing.
Yes, I like the tempo, solid, not too fast, without any frills.
This sounds really good just through my phone's little speaker! I can't wait to hear it in the car...
Beautiful, especially when the skies open at 3'35"
Incredible work, Dan!
Really astronomiclperformance. The most exciting page turning ever seen. Sheer genius!
I'm a former member of AHCC and the choir--Lynn S.'s cousin living in VA. Your video is just beautiful and I enjoyed seeing some of the church as well. You are a truly gifted organist and I look forward to more videos in the future.
BTW, love the little Bach figure sitting above the stops. Nice whimsical touch! :-)
The pedal solos are at 1:05 and 2:48 - other long views of Dan's pedalwork at 4:18 and 5:30
Nicely played! I always like playing this piece for Easter over Widor.
Кольцо снимать необходимо. Исполнено произведение мастерски. Спасибо!
If I ever doubt there is a God, this song reassures me how stupid such a thought is.
Fabulous Dan!!
Great stuff. He looks like he is enjoying playing.
Très belle interprétation de cette Toccata célèbre de Bach. Bravo!
Very good interpretation of this toccata, the organ has a lovely tone to it. You should definitely do more of the Bach on this one.
This was a theme for "Phaedra" with Anthony Perkins and Melina Mercuri in Greece.I think it was a modern interpretation "The Orestian Trilogy" (sp?)
これだぁ〜、ずっと探してたやつ〜！！
A very technical piece played superbly.
Stunningly beautiful.
beautiful
just beautiful!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
What a stunning performance! This is my favorite bach piece and so far the best interpretation that I've heard aside from Marie-Claire Alain's.
Wow - that is the ultimate compliment, I admire her interpretation of Bach as high as anyone else. Thank you for the kind words!
Dan Campolieta She is my favorite. Good to know her sound s out there.
TheCEffect I was fortunate to take a masterclass with her when I was 17...one of those experiences I didn't even realize how amazing it was as it was happening
Dan Campolieta I can definitely tell she's had a strong influence on your playing (which is most excellent!) I miss playing the organ I'm terrible now that I can't feel my fingers anymore. Keep on playing and play a few for me! I'd love to see your interpretation of the Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor. That would make my day! Thank you so much for your replies.You've made my week!
NICE very clear to me it is one of my favorite toccatas
Fantastic!
Fantastic! I too learned of this piece thanks to Keith Emerson.
Брависсимо!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Incredible performance! Only thing I would add is to leave the last note for as long as it feels right, then a little longer. You deserve to let that tonic ring out with all its enormity
Absolutely Fantastic!
Incredible!
Amazing talent in a beautiful setting! You make us proud, Coach. :)
That was beautiful Dan!
Amazing performance !
Phantastic performance!
I downloaded the clip months ago and I'm just getting around to commenting now. Dan, you nailed it! Judging by the smile on your face, you knew you nailed it. Beautiful interpretation, tempo and registration. Compliments to the rebuilders too. It sounds well balanced. I've always loved Aeolian Skinner organs particularly under G. Donald Harrison's tonal direction. Too bad he died a few years before this one was built. Still, it's an American Classic. I watch this most every night on my iPad. Too bad you didn't do the Passacaglia as well. Those are my two faves. Maybe you can do a video of it on the organ of the Palace of Arts, Budapest ;)
organblower Yes as organblower says the smile on your face speaks volumes.I apologize if I sounded condescending in my previous post.Prasing Biggs at your upload was uncalled for.I meant no disrespect.The comparison was made as a complement .
very impressive
Awesome interpretation of this piece. Reminds me so much of that by E. Power Biggs. Your feet certainly got a workout. LOL I love the entire piece, but the very beginning is my favorite with the bass pedals being held down. Simply spectacular! Thanks for sharing! :-)
Magnificent! I met you this past fall when I visited AHCC with my daughter. I look forward to hearing you--and this glorious Aeolian-Skinner--again. I believe you said you're doing a program later this spring, am I right?
Nice to hear from you again! I will be playing a recital on Wednesday evening, March 12 at 7:00. Hope to see you there!