Bach - Toccata and fugue in D minor BWV 538 - Van Doeselaar | Netherlands Bach Society

Don’t be ashamed to listen to this Toccata and fugue in D minor, performed by Leo van Doeselaar for All of Bach, a second time, as it is extremely complex music that is difficult to take in all at once. Yet the key here is frugality, as Bach manages to spin out a few simple motifs over two breathtaking constructions. And although the movements of this ‘power couple’ were probably not written at the same time, they fit together perfectly.
Recorded for the project All of Bach on June 23rd 2013 at the Walloon Church, Amsterdam. If you want to help us complete All of Bach, please subscribe to our channel bit.ly/2vhCeFB and consider donating bit.ly/2uZuMj5.
For the interview with organist Leo van Doeselaar on the Toccata in D minor go to • Van Doeselaar on Bach ...
For the interview with organist Leo van Doeselaar on Fugue in D minor go to • Van Doeselaar on Bach ...
For more information on BWV 538 and this production go to allofbach.com/e...
All of Bach is a project of the Netherlands Bach Society / Nederlandse Bachvereniging, offering high-quality film recordings of the works by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed by the Netherlands Bach Society and its guest musicians. Visit our free online treasury for more videos and background material allofbach.com/en/. For concert dates and further information go to www.bachvereni....
Leo van Doeselaar, organist
Organ: Christian Müller, 1734

[@bach]

0:07 Toccata 5:36 Fuga

[@tahaouhabi3520]

This is my favourite channel , thanks for the unlimited efforts ❤

[@silvanmeschke]

Important note: Van Doeselaar is the ONLY organist to do the trill in the first 2 minutes fully (with fingers 4/5! while playing the two middle voices with thumb and left hand) I have never heard or seen someone do this, but I fully appreciate this. His technique is great, also seems to be very pianistic.

[@richardgrablin2103]

I believe Karl Richter did it in his recording as well.

[@JKGaming1414]

@@richardgrablin2103 yes, Karl Richter definitely does it for the whole duration. I'm happy that I have finally found someone else who can also do it.

[@richardgrablin2103]

@@JKGaming1414 Richter's rendition was what I first listened to, so when I learned the piece, I practiced by including the full trill. Although it obscures the counterpoint a little more, it adds so much more tension and drama to that passage that I'd rather have it that way than a shorter trill.

[@JKGaming1414]

@@richardgrablin2103 absolutely. Now that I listen to other renditions too, I appreciate Richter's slower tempo even more. Everything is clearly audible like that.

[@carlomoerdijk]

Yes he is also great pianist

[@MicksFlics]

Maestro van Doeselaar is a true genius musician and one of the best Bach players in the world today. He is BRILLIANT! This is one of the best and most exciting performances of the Dorian I've ever heard or seen played. Kudos and hugr BRAVO!!!

[@francoislaagel2444]

I love it completely. It brings to mind Glenn Gould's concept of public performance: "the ideal artist to audience ratio is one to zero."

[@oliverliddle7248]

If Leo Van Doeselaar recorded the Art of the Fugue to upload on this channel I would die of happiness!

[@friedemannhahn9354]

I agree that would be awesome... but hold your horses. Chances are he will also record the Passacaglia... ;-)

[@romaric9874]

@@friedemannhahn9354 i want Passacaglia !

[@lims]

I second that, it would be truly splendid!

[@gutsyt123]

Art of fugue is admittedly something I’ve struggled to appreciate.

[@MarcelMangnus]

@@friedemannhahn9354 The Passacaglia is already performed by Reitze Smits on this channel.

[@CarlBowlby]

Ok, now Bach was just showing off with this one. 1/16ths all over the place in the pedal in the Toccata? A trill in the pedals in the Fugue? I’d like to see Bach come back from the dead and try out his masterpiece!

[@MatGreen90]

This performer playing this fugue on this organ must be one of the best things on KZbin. Mighty.

[@giacomocasabianca5732]

Leo Van Doeselaar Is from another planet. Can't describe this execution!❤️

[@daniel3231995]

Its like an orgasm organ, pure bliss as he evidently shows! Organs pretty unforgiving if you don't have the guts or character and he has both! Organ rockstar genius, Leo IS BACH.

[@rjwusher]

I believe he was born in Goes (province of Zeeland, The Netherlands). :-)

[@JeffWindoloski]

Pedaling perfection =)

[@jiioannidis7215]

Beautiful tracker organ too. Does anyone know what temperament it is tuned to?

[@herrickinman9303]

@@rjwusher LMAO

[@victoriaballard7354]

Bach is smiling somewhere. This man IS the music. The footwork is wonderful! Greetings and love from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

I like how this organ somehow has a darker tone. All the colors are there, but the spectrum is a lot deeper. Amazing how each organ builder is able to make a sonorous identity. I don't know, maybe I'm just writing nonsense, but it seems like this to me.

[@WayfaringStranger4029]

So much can be said of NBS for bringing these outstandingly high-quality videos to KZbin in these unhappy times, Van Doeselaar for his masterful performance, and the fact that EVERY video by NBS is accompanied by a succinct description as well as a second video of the organist explaining the piece, so it will suffice to simply say thank you! These videos are beyond appreciated.

[@bartk07]

Now THIS is the interpretation! You make Bach intersting again! Big salute to the organist. The ornamentation and feeling were superb.

[@redbrian3655]

Agreed 100%. I loved the clarity in the registrations used and the seamless jumping from manual to manual.

[@robertbrawley5048]

Is the the same as the the phantom of the opera bach tacota & Fuge in d minor played differently . It sounds to me like some by Buxtehuder. Or I don't recognize it what ever it is

[@JustinLebar]

@@robertbrawley5048 you're probably thinking of BWV 565, which Van Doeselaar has also recorded and is here on KZbin!

[@robertbrawley5048]

@@JustinLebar thumbs up

[@alexandermackay-smith2364]

Bach is always interesting. You're bored with Bach? You must not really be listening. There is always more there than you understand.

[@gottfried-o8k]

How could a man conceive such a piece!

[@bobh5087]

Bach's music: 1) Never a single extraneous note; 2) every theme/subject worked-out to its maximum expressive potential - even though Bach always seems more than capable of *going on forever* with a piece, world without end. Such was his inexhaustible inventive genius! A wonderful performance, on a marvelous instrument, of a monumental work. Many thanks! 👍❤️

[@Fadew2]

Исполнение слишком быстрое. Рекомендую послушать исполнение Карла Рихтера. P.S. простите, что пишу по русски,лень переключать язык 😅😅

[@herrickinman9303]

@@Fadew2 A postscript (PS) is used to indicate an afterthought added to a letter after the letter has been written and signed. It make no sense to use "PS" in a comment you can edit.

[@harryjoseph1802]

Ashamed? We are fortunate in having technology feed our appetite for a second, third or how many ever helpings we want of this glorious music.. till we are sated. Too bad the people who lived in the times this music was composed were denied this privilege and indulgence! Not ashamed Sir but privileged that NBS has showcased the Music of an Emperor, for the King of Instruments and played by a Prince. Only wished Mr. Helmut Walcha could've listened to your brilliant playing!! Thank you!

[@catallaxy2000]

It is hard to imagine a more demanding task of a single individual than to play this music with such perfection... To have such complete facility in mind and body, exercising precise control over feet, arms, hands, and fingers - just amazing...

[@charlesshivoder2887]

Hello from Pennsylvania. This music is simply magnificent. Fine videography, particularly the feet playing the pedals. How can a single human being control two hands with ten fingers and two feet at the same time so successfully to perform this wonderful music. A miracle in itself. And what a beautiful musical instrument to boot. Thank you to our friends in Holland. Stay well. CAS.

[@evanstephen300]

When I see the cutout to the feet, I imagine the power of Bach's music to allow Leo van Doeselaar to levitate

[@jackfletcher1000]

WHY on Earth would anyone be Ashamed to listen to ANY music, especially works of genius such as this.

[@Zantking70]

Ah Bach... how you CERTAINLY bring a light among the darkness ~

[@FritjofBehrens-kx2ie]

Dein Orgelspiel ist sehr bewundernswert! Danke!❤ Fritjof😊

[@MorenoLotto]

Wow... Thanks for this. I'm crying, oh Lord!

[@cl20999]

I'm honestly not sure why this video is in my recommended with no real similar video history but I'm so glad that it is. I'm not familiar with this type of music can immediately recognize the technicality of it and masterful this gentleman is.

[@The0nionKnight]

I’m at a loss for words. Honestly, that was perfect. I don’t know what else to say.

[@enteranamehere3242]

Love the voice of this instrument. It's as if the notes are sparkling ❤

[@JeffWindoloski]

The voicing is spot on and enhances the temperament of the organ very nicely!

[@HumbleNewMusic]

The level of musicianship of NBS's musicians are off the charts!!! Thank you 👊👊

[@thays3649]

A stunning super intelligent performance. Van Doeselaar always a superstar in the performance of Bach. Its a fabulous work that often is over shadowed by the D min Toccata & Fugue BWV 565. The fugue requires careful listening to appreciate the complexity of writing. A wonderful work to play. Thank you for the inspiration to return to it. How privileged are we to have these recordings in such trying times for humanity!

[@darekjanczewski4287]

Perfect. I was waiting for this performarnce for my whole life. Thank you!

[@20a10v]

Almost reminds me of Karl Richter’s recording of this same song. Same organ, similar tonal colors, slightly different tempo, but carries the same ideas and emotions due to the organ’s unusually high tuning.

[@simongabriels734]

Leo van Doeselaar, je orgelspel is maravilloso! Johanann Sebebastian had het zo gewild!

[@damianmurphy1745]

Such power, Such majesty. Never get tired of this interpretation. Well done

[@СуренЕнгибарян]

Music of other spheres! Divine!

[@iankemp1131]

Commonly known as the "Dorian" toccata and fugue in D minor to distinguish it from the "popular" one (BWV 565). It is in D minor but was originally written without key signature, making it appear Dorian. We chose it as our wedding march! Sadly (but not surprisingly) it was too difficult for the organist, so we had the recording by the late great Peter Hurford. No problems for Leo van Doeselaar though!

[@kelvinchan2286]

Minor piece in wedding march? It is an indeed great and wise choice for it, for the depth and emotion induced!

[@bertspeggly4428]

You made the right decision. Nothing worse than a wedding organist not up to the task, I can tell you!😂😂😂

[@kdanfloris1920]

Excellent attack on Bach's Toccata and charming Fuga♥️.

[@Zornfried]

Wunderbare Interpretation & beste akustische Aufnahme ! Jede einzelne Stimme ist gut zu hören. Das erste Mal dass ich diese schwere Fuge in ihrer ganzen Tiefe verstehe ! Dieser Mann spielt das Instrument nicht nur ... er lebt es !

[@BurkPrael]

one of the most divine recordings of this piece EVER!

[@michaelpatterson5811]

Fascinating combination of musician and instrument. Only two, just four octave manuals; and a straight pedal-board. No swell, of course. Yet Leo van Doeselaar plays on mostly just one manual; and makes no changes to his chosen registration. A full blast interpretation. Superb toe-point pedalwork technique - and that fabulous 4/5 finger trill, continued whilst including his thumb in the 'melody' line. A master-class. Dreadful camera choice to view the (normally unseen) upper levels of the nave; much better viewed from the ground. Never seen an organ with protective flaps before!

[@JeffWindoloski]

All of the brilliance and God-given talent of J.S. Bach in one composition ... Soli Deo Gloria!

[@Argumemnon]

"Don't be ashamed to listen to this" Why would I be ashamed? The 538's one of Bach's best works.

[@bertspeggly4428]

It says, "a second time" i.e. before taking it all in. You're missing the point, i think.

[@wanderingpalace]

Every work of bach is best work All the other artist is barely even comparable to his work

[@disdonc6012]

Wow, what a technique to play the thriller and at the same time using the thumb for the other part.

[@bobbyb9263]

Yes it’s impressive, his finger independency is on point.

[@Michael-io3dd]

I love organ works in general, but Bach's are the best of all.

[@jeanmichelviscardi7701]

Très belle interprétation de cette pièce qui me rappelle ma jeunesse lorsque je la jouais sur le Grand Orgue de l'église St-Georges de Vesoul.

[@alexandreguimaraes9141]

This fugue is one of the most grandiose, stupendous, immortal in spirit! I always listen to it at high volume, which elevates my sensitivity, entrusts my Soul to God, anyway!

[@grahamnancledra7036]

Yet another triumph for Leo Van Doeselarr and the NBS. I was eagerly awaiting the Bach "trill" in the fugue and had to resist the temptation to jump to it whilst watching. I was not disappointed when it came and the camera rewarded me by being able to watch the feet complete the full trill. Oh was ever this worth the viewing and listenin!. I was not let down and thanks to all at the NBS once again. Greetings from Port Moresby PNG.

[@jacobusbinnema3096]

Such an elegant instrument. Such magnificent playing.

[@ACowIsHuge]

This whole musicianship is on another Level. Like how do you Play like this o.O so unbelievably impressive

[@gyulaugron3379]

Fantasztikus zenészi képesség és hihetetlen sok gyakorlás kell egy - egy Bach mű magas színvonalú megszólaltatásához.

[@chamadeJJ]

11:51 Am I the only one who got extremely blown away by the organist's trill on PEDALS/FOOT KEYBOARD?😅😂🤣😆

[@wegotothezoowr]

🥰👍🎄

[@velocirapture89]

You know you're OG when you can do a perfect trill with your feet.

[@sirdancealot9726]

One of the first organ pieces I played, thank you for the wonderful interpretation an the bit nostalgia you brought me mister Van Doeselaar.

[@мирославпагута]

What was the last piece you played then

[@Carvin0]

Wow! Just wow! I love the decorations such as at 0:54 (right hand) et seq. Couldn't find any other performances doing that. Such an absolute master!

[@franciscoantonio4321]

Me emociona profundamente que un hombre genial como Bach haya compuesto tantas cosas bellas ,y también me emociona ver hoy gente tan hermosa interpretando esas partituras ,muchos de memoria otros leyendo pero igual poniendo su genialidad al programar los sonidos en un instrumento tan maravilloso que parece ser creado por ángeles para regocijo nuestro, sólo queda agradecer el que reproduzcan para nosotros esas bellísimas piezas de música ,felicidades y gracias.

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und tiefempfundene Aufführung dieses perfekt komponierten und technisch anspruchsvollen Meisterwerks im inspirierenden Tempo mit durchsichtigen doch farbenreichen Tönen der ausgezeichneten Orgel. Echt unvergleichlicher Organist!

[@alexdnp0354]

Grandiose !!! Plus belle musique à jamais réalisée à mon goût. C'est sublime et céleste ! Apaisante et stimulante à la fois, elle partage toute son harmonie à l'auditeur créant un bonheur indescriptible. Et chapeau à l'interpréteur car la difficulté de cette musique est à la hauteur de sa magnificence !!!!!!!! Grandiose !!! Most beautiful music ever made for my taste. It is sublime and heavenly! Soothing and stimulating at the same time, it shares all its harmony with the listener foreseeing an indescribable happiness. And hats off to the interpreter because the difficulty of this music is up to its magnificence !!!!!!!!

[@ゆるきゅん]

Amazing Virtuoso! Full articulation. Pianistic technique. Great interpretation.

[@MegaFount]

Truly an invigorating performance that lifts the spirits!

[@jsb7975]

Mijn God wat een energie !

[@seanlebas]

Blew my socks off each time (won't say how many times)! Many Thanks!

[@oso_Peligroso]

Oh man, the Dorian Toccata is my absolute fav and on a gorgeous organ in a gorgeous church. You can't beat that!

[@eduardomanrique6897]

Espectacular interpretación y coordinación de Van Doesselar!!! Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@MatthewChapmanSTL]

Such a great piece. Fierce and strong. One of my favorites. Great performance!

[@charleshufman314]

This is superbly done and the interpretation sublime !

[@careerdetective]

A gloriously exuberant performance. Bravo..

[@alexandreguimaraes9141]

Essa fuga é das mais grandiosas, estupenda, de espírito imortal! Sempre a ouço em volume alto o que me eleva a sensibilidade, me conduz a Alma a Deus, enfim!

[@Милашечка_ня]

Потрясающее исполнение. Невероятная четкость в каждой ноте и эмоциональность . Прослушиваю уже много раз , восторг! ❤

[@janetlindley4465]

Bravo! Beautiful piece. Brilliant organist. Thank you for sharing.

[@maticzla]

Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538 ('Dorian') one of my favourites! Ah, yes - especially in the performance by Helmut Walcha.

[@Rudi_F_Vienna]

Superb interpretation of an incredibly powerful piece of music. Thank you LvD, thank you NBS, and thank you JSB!

[@jean-marielebourgeois385]

L'orgue est un instrument merveilleux

[@carlomoerdijk1638]

Wat kan van Doeselaar toch spelen... complimenten!

[@albertocolzani897]

Tutto giusto e perfetto! Con in più l'Anima di queste note immortali. Bravissimo maestro!

[@marietdehamer2282]

Geniaal! Wat heeft die man een energie!

[@1947gaetano]

Amo questa composizione di BACH. La BWV 538 e' piena di vigore e brillantezza, essa e' un inno alla Gioia !

[@markbell9973]

I get you! Frescobaldi, Palestrina taken to another level in the fugue. NOT a higher level; Bach had too much Reverance. ...just another dimension within this Italian realm of bravissimo, strict, tight counterpoint. Bach the confident but never overbearing *European* !

[@marlenemeldrum7382]

Brilliantly played...wonderful...

[@nigelthomas7960]

Firstly let me say i LOVE LVD’s performances and yet again he produces near perfection. Thank you Leo!! What i love about his playing of all the Bach pieces (which i also play) is his sense of drama and rhetorical flair that he captures so wonderfully (breathtakingly sometimes (G min Fantasia for instance!)..... i wonder about why the ornamentations in the toccata here though and where’s the perfect rubato we normally hear? It’s a little pedestrian for LVD! However, as always, then there’s a surprise.....one of the most energetic and spirited performances of the fugue I’ve ever heard. The drama’s all there!! Give us more of your classic flair in the toccata!

[@robertbrawley5048]

I dont understand how youtube algorithm knew I would be game for a video like this.

[@denekaraus8592]

It's greatness, universilized!

[@rozconniwestsand7841]

Would that everyone performed their jobs as well as Leo Van D does his flawlessly.

[@BestForeverMusic]

Awesome! Amazing & Excellent! JSB and Magnificent Baroque and Divine Music and this royal instrument forever in my heart! ❤️❤️👍

[@carlosgustavomunozrodrigue3960]

¡¡¡Grandioso!!! Esta expresión abarca la ejecución / interpretación /registración, el órgano, el audio y el vídeo. Me llama la atención que el teclado principal (Hauptwerk) sea el superior; También me llama mucho la atención la técnica de ejecución del pedalier, fundamentalmente punta, como ocurrió durante el período barroco. ¡¡¡Maravilloso!!!

[@firekonung1]

Leo. Once again, I sincerely admire your feelings. Many thanks for the incredible performance of Bach's organ When will you arrive in Kaliningrad? We have wonderful organs!

[@papamoto3369]

Enhorabuena. Maestro.... Estáis haciendo una labor impecable en todos los sentidos. Bach estaría tan feliz...

[@robertorl61]

Magnifico. Superba esecuzione.

[@Maestro-FR]

Really extraordinary. In Freiberg too !

[@rolandoribes6758]

Y AQUI ESTOY HIPNOTIZADO VIENDO A TAN MAGISTRAL MUSICO! Y POR SUPUESTO CON LA GRAN MUSICA DE J. S. BACH. GRACIAS A LA NBS Y A YT.

[@lucym5163]

I think this is my favourite All of Bach video - stunning piece and performance!

[@Fvlvidios]

Outstading! Perfect! Bravo, bravissimo!

[@hapla86]

Its not only his complete technique Bit his Imagination for its sound and effort ... a Great musician on Track of Straube -Richter- Walcha - claire Alain...

[@hapla86]

R i c h t e r

[@karstenbiastoch2606]

Very nice, a dream of harmony and peace 🌺🎶...Bach

[@danieleliasbrenner9756]

Absolutely wonderful. Perfect Performance!!!

[@janslavik8295]

Van Doeselaar je excelentný interpret Bachovej hudby.

[@markharrington508]

Simply magnificently uplifting to mind and soul, thank you!

[@ludwigvonzork7494]

Bach me cambió la vida

[@grazianopatergnani8903]

Leo, grandissimo 👏👏👏👏👏 NBS...151.000....Complimenti!

[@martinpescatore7469]

wonderful ......magnificent......imposing............thanks a lot!

[@СергейКаримов-з1ю]

Bravo, Maestro!

[@cachdeques]

very impressive execution! the use of the ornaments is really excellent!

[@LisaKTownsend]

Absolutely fabulous. Thank you.

[@peterhunt5890]

Quite SUPERB we think. Thank you

[@raulreyesortiz1732]

Was für eine tolle Version von ihm.

[@tibadelespierre6081]

Fantastic, gorgeous I just love it🙌

[@raulreyes3480]

Was für perfekte Version von ihm!