J.S.Bach Toccata in F major BWV540/1

Bohme plays bach at the st.Thomas kirche in Leipzig.

[@NikkkitoNippongo]

This is, by far, my favorite performance of BWV 540, Bach used this toccata to test the "lungs" of the organs.

[@evanprest6224]

this is the one where he pulled all stops? I forget, it's been centuries.

[@lordauriel8724]

yeah that performance is just perfect isn't it

[@karlrovey]

He couldn't have played it as written on any organ in Germany. The pedal line goes higher than the pedal compass of any German organ in Bach's lifetime.

[@thekathal]

@Karl Rovey what about the 2nd part of the piece d’orgue? That’s got a bottom B

[@sameash3153]

@@karlrovey so why did he write it like this? Hard to imagine Bach writing something he could not physically play, at least on a keyboard instrument.

[@telephilia]

Unusually for Bach works of this type, the prelude (or toccata) here is often performed without the fugue. It is claimed by some that after this toccata the fugue is somewhat anticlimactic. But really, in my opinion, the fugue has its own different sort of grandeur.

[@Herr_strauss91]

This is truly the king of all instruments!

[@ernent]

The Toccata is a serious contender to the title "The most sweeping music ever written"

[@stephendohnalek462]

An amazing display of keyboard and pedal playing; a bit breathtaking, really. Who knew organ playing could be a cardio-aerobic exercise experience? Bravo to Bach and bravo to the organist.

[@828uko]

Pedal playing is not a cardio-aerobic exercise. :D If it is, then you play the pedal parts wrong

[@stephenvanwoert2447]

Bach was a great composer of joyful dance music. This is one example. I think this is my favorite.

[@IcelanderLight]

I like to think of this as the Resurrection Toccata of Bach's. On an organ as if created for Bach works by an organist who is most worthy to play it. Just thrilling.

[@sfopera]

One of the most brilliant performances of this incredible demanding work I've heard

[@ollenaktergal902]

Outstandingly skilled. Never heard a better version of this very difficult piece.

[@b3boneman]

My all time favorite! Praise God! FANTASTISCH!!!

[@lkrupp215]

One year ago I stood there in the St. Thomas kirche looking up at that amazing instrument. There was a master class going on at the time and the organ was playing. Heaven on earth. The church also has another large organ in the back, a 19th century Romantic instrument of 88 ranks. This is the “Bach” organ installed on the north choir loft. It has 61 stops and 4 manuals. And by the way, Bach was organist and choirmaster at this church for 27 years. Martin Luther preached there.

[@KhagarBalugrak]

I love this rendition because it's not rushed and all the voices are clear.

[@swc789rjp]

You're kidding, right? WAY TOO FAST...listen to Helmut Walcha and get back to me...

[@tigerguy1013]

The pipe organ is by far the most beautiful most magnificent instrument to ever exist. Its size and sound is astonishing especially this one’s size, breathtaking

[@telephilia]

A really majestic piece. A vision of some sort of divine ecstasy!

[@nolany6353]

@KhagarBalugark I disagree. Even if other composers created pieces that matched the complexity of some of Bach's, they did not have as large of an impact on their time period. Even those who have come after Bach are at least in some way influenced by him. And unfortunately some are not skilled enough to comprehend the immense complexity of his greatest works. Not only was Bach an extremely prolific composer but he is influential and virtuosic as well.

[@caillousdad5786]

Bach ,actually remained obscured for almost 100 years, he had little impact as a composer during his life. In fact he was mainly known as an organist ,not a composer..Finally Mendelssohn revived his work bringing to public attention!

[@jaysonbryant8352]

Well said!

[@rrickarr]

Max Reger!

[@jaysonbryant8352]

Well said!

[@timm7400]

I believe that Johann was about 24 years of age when he wrote this. Very early in his career. Not even close to the height of his later compositional apex.

[@MrTransalpin]

Beautiful acoustical sound quality ! Gute digital Ton Qualität !

[@youfilin]

Every time I hear Bach's works I can't imagine how he actually could have done so many beautiful pieces!! Unbelievable!

[@stephenhunt8756]

Full of the energy that is essential for all of Bach...and with a joi de vivre that is instantly appealing. The pedalling is superb. Thanks to Zhang Ziruo

[@ssinssg]

An absolutely stunning performance.

[@alexisboileau2088]

Wow ! I didn't know David Letterman was such a good organ player !

[@DonnyDonnMendoza]

One also has to remember that many of the Baroque instruments used different tuning temperaments (other than modern equal temperament) such as 1/4 comma meantone, Kellner, Kirnberger or Barnes. Certain chords sound "out of tune" in these temperaments but it's exactly this "out-of-tuneness" that creates tension and colour. When the "right chords" are played, they sound more "in-tune" than they ever played on an equally tempered instrument.

[@lwnf360]

My absolute favorite Bach piece.

[@aidanmcsharry3320]

the crest on the organ is Bach's personal seal.....interesting

[@JoshuaSobel]

this organ is named after him.

[@evanprest6224]

you know your stuff buddy

[@stevewallschlaeger1379]

Justly so as he is the one who built it. Originally and that Thomaskirche is where he wrote 5 solid years worth of Cantatas for every solitary Sunday of the year. 5 complete cycles. They don't all exist because CPE Bach used his music for butcher paper. Oldest son and idiot! Interesting but, karma got him we really don't know much of CPE Bachs music. It is probably there but the stuff I've heard bores me. Classical style which came after Baroque period Bach was the last of the notable great Baroque period composers. Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach was eldest in line and son from his first cousin Maria Barbara Bach who died very very young. She bore seven children 13 were born of his second wife Anna Magdalena von Wolcken Bach of whom he dedicated the Anna Magdalena Notebooks to so that she could learn the harpsichord and are yet used today to learn piano. Of Bachs Twenty children only thirteen survived and of the thirteen not all were employed as musicians. Of his musical children are Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach Johann Christoph Bach whom was named for JS Bachs uncle whom he lives with in Ohrdorf when his Mother and father Johann Ambrosius Bach died at the age of 12. Then came Wilhelm Friedemann Bach of whom is known for his own fathers ability to improvise upon the organ and unfortunately did not write most of it down. Then there is the youngest Bach Johann Christian Bach. Who is termed the English Bach because along with Charles John Stanley of whom were similar if not the same age moved to England, and was employed there as a church Organist. Generally considered John Christian Bach as well. His music is extremely delightful to hear and is similar definitely close to his father in certain ways but also very definitely within the Classical style of music literature writing. There is always one I keep thinking I forget. I wish I had my Bach Reader to refer about however what I need is all within the annals of my memory of study

[@mobyhunr]

And that's how it's done. Love f major

[@pyrotarkus6491]

Emerson, Lake and Palmer brought me here :P

[@robertcurrie8510]

PyroTarkus . Me too!

[@janetbristol5422]

After a 20 year no Germany trip, i love to get on KZbin and listening to church bells in Berlin, St Thomas boys choir which i became acquainted on my first trip in 1990. I love it all. It is thrilling to see new places and see places i have been. I was grateful to have been at St Thomaskirchke in 2000 for the tuning of this wonderful instrument. It is just as thrilling for me today as when I took my first Germany trip.

[@laurenceeburn4969]

Absolutely superb performance!

[@nganir]

wonderful performance of an unqualified masterpiece. 7:00+ : pure bliss........

[@zpasjidomuzyki9390]

Wonderful playing :) Bravo :)

[@yiftb]

I love it too! Since the first time I heard it years ago I've been looking for it and now that I bumped into it I'm sitting here sleepless and happily listening to it again and again.

[@burraldo]

Brilhante!

[@Biff947]

This is amongst the greatest works ever written.

[@Contrappunto]

Fine performance and at least comparable to the Alain version uploaded as a 'video response'. Interested in the organ itself, certainly a monument to the great JSB. Herr Bohme is a sure-footed interpreter even if his pedal technique is less authenticated than e.g. Gleeson or Germani. Fugue also fine.

[@karlrovey]

Gleeson manual and pedal technique for Bach is considered outdated.

[@ryanwfrederick]

I was there several years ago, and heard the P&F in D played at Friday vespers. Simply magnificent to sit there, close your eyes, and imagine the old Thuringian cantor doing his thing...*sigh*

[@observerman]

This brilliant piece really lifts your soul. It's like waking up into a Near Death Experience and finding yourself at the threshold to heaven. Bliss! Seric54

[@voltaire1377]

O MY GOD! THE BEST TEMPO EVER FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bruesselsjonny]

Absolutely perfect played you can hear each line very clearly very good job , i knew it played it by myself and its a kind of bitch this peace but also one of bachs best works sorry for my words

[@Rotka13]

I think so too! It's amazing ^^ I love it!

[@KhagarBalugrak]

What a brilliant performance. One of the best I've ever heard.

[@miro007ist]

Where is this sourced from?

[@KhagarBalugrak]

What really makes this the best recording is the clarity and integrity. Nothing is done for its own sake, or to try and be unique, or to show off.

[@swc789rjp]

TOO FAST!!!! Helmut Walcha's rendition is PERFECT...

[@speaks3703]

absolutely superb interpretation of a fantastic piece!

[@janetbristol6047]

I was in this church in 2000. They we're tuning this organ. It is so beautiful!!!

[@saintsaens888]

i like Bohme's speed. I even have a faster version but i don't know who the organist is. The registrations are magnificent and the pedal work is perfect.

[@arkeo2001]

WOWOWOWW, wonderful! Five stars!

[@drollere]

this is some of the best bach organ playing on youtube. astonishing clarity and lyrical momentum, beautiful use of the registers and scintillating pedal. really a vibrant and commanding performance. it's a shame this organist and instrument are not recorded more often.

[@andre26071955]

It is indeed quite a fast tempo, but the Gerald Woehl-organ and the acoustics of St. Thomas can have it.Excellent performance!

[@EvanBecker-t9x]

How refreshing to find, here on FB, a Bach organ piece played on the instrument Bach wrote it for.

[@KV4671]

Wat een heerlijk Lied om op te wekken. Hier krijg ik kracht van Ik prijs de Heer !

[@ericbelify]

Magical. Divine. Nothing more and nothiing less.

[@gjlander100]

Brilliant performance of this work, a tad fast, but I'm sure Bach in his grave in this church would appreciate the interpretation... all 17 pages of its sequential writing.

[@Nazardrecit]

The organ is indeed 'tuned sharp' which is to say that the a is tuned higher than the ca. 440 c.p.s. that is the most common tuning today. Anything played on this organ will therefore sound 'higher' than it would if played on an organ at a=440. This most certainly does not mean that 'the pitch is F#' ! It is also common for new organs today to be tuned to equal temperament.

[@andhersoncastro6069]

Simplesmente o melhor. ..quanto sentimento expressivo por suas maravilhosas mãos...

[@robertgift]

Yes, moving mechanical parts will wear out. Pipes do not wear, except for reed pipes whose tuning wire holes and reed fastening holes may enlarge from decades of tuning. Tuning a pipe organ will eventually total more than the cost of the instrument. Many restoration funds are started. But restoration is so expensive it takes a long time to raise enough money. I have heard recordings where I wonder why they did not first tune the instruments.

[@robertgift]

Pipes need to be tuned periodically. The higher the pipe's pitch, the more it can change pitch from dirt settling in the pipe and on pipe walls and from pipe metal movement from cycles of heating and cooling. Low pitched pedal pipes rarely need retuning. It takes quite a lot of change to move their pitch. Reed pipes are more sensitive to heat and changes and need tuning more often.

[@benenoit]

La seule chose que je trouve à critiquer c'est la technique des pieds. Il fait beaucoup trop de mouvement de jambes. Normalement, la cheville devrait travailler plus que celà.

[@ozjiaak]

Thank You! It's wonderful. I hear several times and more and more like it. Jozsef from Hungary (amateur organist)

[@ropeyarn]

absolutely awesome!!!!!

[@GerardRatigan]

Quelle virtuosité ! Magnifique

[@fossosejore]

la migliore interpretazione del 540 che abbia mai ascoltato. Bellissima

[@Kralperri]

This really was a good recording of this piece! This toccata is for sure one of the best organ pieces ever written!

[@Manx123]

One of the few Bach organ pieces where the "prelude" is superior to the fugue, (the only other exception that comes to mind is the Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor).

[@mikew5858]

I would include BWV 541 in the superior prelude list and would have to think really hard about whether 582 belongs in it. 582's fugue has a section that is transcendent.

[@Manx123]

If Bach wrote one piece of music and it was the Passacaglia and Fugue, I might prefer the fugue, but excellent fugues from Bach are a dime a dozen, while I have yet to anything like the Passacaglia in the rest of Bach's works, or all of music. Perhaps the closest would be the Chaconne. For 541, I would agree the prelude is better, if only because the fugue is somewhat uninteresting.

[@user-fu7zf4ck9z]

Tbh that’s the case with all 5 organ toccatas and fugues: BWV540 F major: literally unbeatable BWV564 C Major: humorous and technically More demanding than the fugue anyways BWV565 D Minor: harmonically more interesting BWV566 E Major: the fugues have weird subjects honestly BWV538 D Minor: the little brother to the other motoric monothematic F Major toccata

[@alhfgsp]

Those who can understand this, are rewarded for it!

[@ShishiSonson]

Nah, you're not so tough in real life, we both know.

[@albertpeckham9515]

Wow! This performance is just how I would play it! Exciting and precise!

[@davidcallahan2832]

Transcendent clarity within complexity.

[@grables1965]

It is without doubt Bach was sent by God to glorify him with his music where else could it have come from?

[@jokinezenarro6699]

From a genius' brain.

[@bobmusick]

is that bach's seal (or part of it) on the organ?

[@eameece]

Yes

[@VanAllen009]

"Pedaltänzer""

[@HerrTodesking]

it is "off-key" on purpose :) many baroque organs were pitched roughly one semitone lower or higher than today's concert pitch (a1 = 440hz). this organ is neobaroque and therefore tries to imitate baroque sound, which is why it's one semitone higher.

[@OldPost661]

At least the organ is tuned in a fairly gentle temperament. And this is an amazing performance.

[@cousin8100]

Great registration on a great organ!

[@andrezkamotu]

AWESOME... This is one of my favorite J.S.Bach's organ pieces...

[@Said-gc5po]

Me siento en un juego de Castlevania

[@carvetop]

The pitch is F#. Could just be the tuning of the organ.

[@daviddovilla4486]

Way too fast! Not impressed.

[@musicisitall]

Beautiful.. only, I miss some linguals in the bass ;)

[@emc2espejo58]

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@albertsiltal2600]

Acorde a energías... (Algo resonante así 😇)

[@albertsiltal2600]

Intentad 😶_grabad ángeles

[@charlottewhyte9804]

clear lovely ped solo

[@carvetop]

Thanks for the technical information. Still sounds like an F# to me. Guess my perfect pitch needs to be transposed a half-step.

[@adamhutchings4023]

Apparently German organs were tuned up a half step in the Baroque era.

[@sameash3153]

God, there's always one of you perfect pitchers in every baroque video. Baroque tuning is different! There is no objective pitch called F or F#!

[@stevewallschlaeger1379]

No doubt about the beauty. Or the talent of this fine Organist. I think there is more. More conversation to be heard. I think he needs more Dynamics to be envisioning. Like I said before it was wonderful I love it and Bachs instrument at Thomaskirche. I hope he refines it even more.

[@lebnenh1]

j.s bach is the greatist

[@micheldvorsky]

Pretty pathetic to respond to someone's intolerance with racist slurs (and that this bigoted comment got 30 thumbs up??). And for the guy who made the antisemitic comment, it might interest you to know that this very F major Toccata was a famous standard of a Jew called Charles-Valentin Alkan. Heard of him?

[@goeuldi]

Great

[@willowthebored]

Absolute epiphany! Thank you, sir, for opening my eyes! My path is clear now. I shall go to the desert for forty days before having myself baptized by C'Thulhu in the heavy water of an active nuclear reactor pit.

[@robertgift]

There could be several tuning influences. If old pipes are sagging, they are more vulnerable to more sag which can change pitch. If the old buildings have more temperature variation than newer better insulated and temperature-controlled buildings, that can put the organ out of tune more.

[@kyotokid4]

...this is Bach's carillon piece. The imitative carillon style was popular in France at the time. M. Bach just took it to a new level as he did with other forms of the day. At this tempo it sways and peals. Just listen to the phrasing after the second pedal solo, can you not hear the bells ringing? I used to play this piece at a faster tempo myself because that is what I could feel. M. Bohme;'s interpretation and clean articulation makes this piece ring and not sound "hurried".

[@googygok]

It is the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, where Bach was Thomascantor. He is buried there. By thr way the ornament on the organ is some kind of remaniscence of his famyly coat of arms which he designed himself. You can see a pisture of it at the german wikipedia.

[@gulmartin]

Super coll

[@ruggerocioffi74]

Stupendo

[@soschadao]

i thought the pitch was high, it's tuned to A=465!!! super high, but apparently this is a feature that allows it to be transposed down two semitones to A=415 which may possibly have been slightly closer to what bach knew in his lifetime.... although we know the temperament would not have been equal...

[@vespasian123456]

you're an egalitarian? So you believe in sharing every resource with everybody as soon as you get it? From what I've learned through my anthropology degree, I was pretty sure that only applies to hunter-gatherer groups. Think before you type.

[@speaks3703]

@carvetop Basically, what you're used to hearing is Equal Temperament. This organ is not tuned in that way. For this instrument, the tuning is A=465, the choir pitch used at the time of Bach, whose music this instrument was specifically designed to play.

[@clashtitans2]

The organist, Prof. Bohme, is currently the organist of the Thomaskirche. You might be able to catch him playing on this organ in the church!

[@micheldvorsky]

How is calling someone a "little Oriental" not contributing to the spread of hate?

[@KhagarBalugrak]

lol, I didn't mean on a pipe organ. I'm saying that Easterners have produced music equal in every way to Bach...even slightly better, in fact.

[@sailingforde04]

It is a replica , or at least a near replica of the organ bach had played in the Paulinerkirche

[@aXmo20]

erstaunlich, ich spiele die toccata in ähnlichem tempo, und spiele das pedal etwas mehr gebunden, aber auf aufnahmen hab ich diese akzentuierte leggiero- leichtigkeit erst einmal von einem franzosen gehört. Best of youtube -exzellent interpretiert !

[@srrlIdl]

I assume that the organ is tuned 'sharp' cause the pitch is more F# then F?