No musical work is more famous than Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565. BWV565 is instantly recognisable from its opening mordent. However, it stands out from Bach’s other works because of its eccentricities, and no manuscript in Bach’s hand survives.

Was it by Bach?

This question is explored in this set of films by studying BWV565 itself and comparing the piece with other relevant works by Bach. While extremely popular, BWV565 is also looked down on by some serious musicians. To make a film that appeals both to aficionados of BWV565 as well as the musicians who prefer other works by Bach, we have explored an enormous range of works, some genuinely obscure. This set of films will therefore appeal across the board, and we hope you will enjoy our journey to discover the secrets of the great toccata!

Bach is arguably the greatest of all composers, and certainly the greatest composer who wrote for the organ. His organ music is the heart and soul of the organ’s repertoire. Fugue State Films, together with Daniel Moult, explores the extraordinary Toccata and Fugue in D minor, an instantly recognisable masterpiece that is one of the most popular pieces of music ever written.

This beautifully-produced boxset contains a documentary exploring the fascinating story of BWV565, plus a full filmed performance (and matching CD recording) of benchmark performances by Daniel Moult of BWV565, plus the Toccata in C, BWV566a, the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV543, the Prelude and Fugue in D major, BWV532, and the Trio Sonata in G major, BWV530, all played on two of the finest organs in the world, the Martinikerk in Groningen and the Petruskerk in Leens.

Contents:

The Great Toccata: Documentary (102 minutes)

Demonstration of the Organ of the Martinikerk, Groningen (20 minutes)

Demonstration of the Organ of the Petruskerk, Leens (14 minutes)

Introductions to the Performances (48 minutes)

Performances on DVD and CD (60 minutes)