J.S. Bach - Toccata & Fuga in D minor, BWV 538

As promised, a revised Toccata & Fugue, all together. For the Toccata, I have changed a little some voicing, and added reverb in some places, while the Fugue has a complete new articulation and ornamentation structure, as well as different patches in places.

In the Toccata, by separating the staves, I've also highlighted the play between the Oberwerk and the Rückpositiv.

The Oberwerk (or "upper work") is usually the division (or rank) of pipes in front and above the organist in traditional 17th and 18th century church organs. It usually forms the highest section of the organ.

In contrast, the Rückpositiv (or just Positiv) is often located behind the organist in its own case, usually in the gallery parapet, therefore lower than the Oberwerk and closer to the audience.

The two sections of the organ can so be used, like here, to create a dialogue, because in a well designed acoustic setting, it would seem that the two voices are coming from different parts of the room.

0:00 - Toccata
4:38 - Fugue

Listen to the two previous attempts here:

   • J.S. Bach - Toccata & Fugue in D mino...  
   • J.S. Bach - Toccata & Fugue in D mino...