Stanford Toccata in D minor, op. 57

Roger Sayer plays the Toccata from Stanford’s Fantasia and Toccata in D minor, Op 57.

Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924) was an Anglo-Irish composer, teacher, and conductor of the late Romantic era. His Fantasia and Toccata in D minor was completed in July 1894, but wasn’t published until 1902, first by Houghton, and later by Stainer & Bell. It was dedicated to his RCM colleague, Sir Walter Parratt, who was Professor of Organ at the RCM, and Director of Music at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The Toccata feels free and improvised and like, the Fantasia, shows clear influences of Bach and Buxtehude, including a long closing tonic pedal.

Recording engineer: J. Waterhouse
Sound: D. Hinitt
Video: R. Vinter

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