Bach: Toccata and Fugue, BWV 565 - Tariq Harb, guitar

Guitarist Tariq Harb performs J.S. Bach's monumental Toccata and Fugue, BWV 565. This is an adaptation for solo guitar by Edson Lopes.
The Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565, is a musical composition in two parts for organ, written sometime between 1708 and 1750 by Johann Sebastian Bach, and known for its majestic sound, dramatic authority, and driving rhythm. The piece is perhaps most widely known due to its appearance in the opening minutes of the 1940 Disney cult classic Fantasia, in which it was adapted for orchestra by the conductor Leopold Stokowski. It also has a strong association in Western culture with horror films; it was included in films such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), The Black Cat (1934) and The Phantom of the Opera (1962).
The first part of Bach’s piece is a toccata, the name of which is derived from the Italian toccare, “to touch.” It represents a musical form for keyboard instruments that is designed to reveal the virtuosity of the performer’s touch. Bach’s take on the toccata is typical in that it has many fast arpeggios and runs up and down the keyboard but otherwise is generally free form and gives the composer much latitude for personal expression. In Bach’s day, toccatas often served as introductions to and foils for fugues, setting the stage for the complex and intricate composition to follow.
The fugue - a technique characterized by the overlapping repetition of a principal theme in different melodic lines (counterpoint) - that is the second part of Bach’s composition reflects the particular popularity of the form during the late 1600s and early 1700s. Bach made much use of the fugue in his compositions, most famously in solo organ pieces such as this one but also in instrumental works and choral cantatas. This particular fugue is quite unusual in its form; it is a plagal fugue using plagal cadences as opposed to the authentic cadences that Bach usually employs. It also does not introduce the subject in all the voices one after the other in the beginning of the fugue. Instead, Bach slips in sequences in between the announcements of the subjects which is again quite unusual for a Baroque fugue. The fugue, with its accompanying toccata, is not only the best known of Bach’s many fugues but the most famous of fugues by any composer.
Performance: Tariq Harb
Transcription: Edson Lopes
Guitar: Douglass Scott, 2018
Strings: Savarez basses and Augustine Regel trebels
Audio and video: Drew Henderson
Location of recording: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.tariqharb.com
/ tariqharb
/ tariqharbmusic
Tariq Harb teaches at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada: www.concordia.ca/faculty/tari...
Online store: tariqharb.storenvy.com

[@nathanaeldavenport2251]

I’m an organist and an amateur guitarist, and I am nearly in tears after watching this. Superior tone, phrasing, technical skill... I would give this a five minute standing ovation in a public performance. Well done, my friend.

[@nathanaeldavenport2251]

I don't feel that way... everything's relative, though. I suppose whatever instrument a person has played the most is the "easier" instrument. Every instrument has its unique challenges, that's for sure.

[@EkiwwaNoel]

Nice and am trying to play 5th of Beethoven.

[@steveb9325]

Agree

[@naphtali58]

I have found two in the room, this gentleman is no doubt one of them thank you very much for the Post

[@lucastardjopawiro3698]

Tf is an organist

[@EarlLedden]

No matter what else you do, you'll be remembered for this flawless performance.

[@enricomadrigal9168]

absolutely... this is just a classic for me, he caught the true soul of Bach. very intense and emotional

[@gianlucaottaviano8359]

I am a guitarist. I have been listening to this performance again for months. Tariq is exceptional. Technique, phrasing, sound. Bach would be happy with that

[@mariazaya4447]

Listen to Marcin version it's fantastic no word can explain

[@hindenburg1596]

​@@mariazaya4447Listen to Moran Wasser

[@zipfelitzkie]

​@@mariazaya4447marcin indeed is a great guitarist, but sometimes less is more. In my opinion he is overacting in most of cases..

[@romaric9874]

@@mariazaya4447marcin version is soo soo bad.😂 no good taste to appreciate this poor version. Marcin is only good when he play marcin otherwise it’s often crap.

[@hindenburg1596]

​@@romaric9874 Moran Wasser is pretty good

[@turnerthemanc]

For me, its not just what he plays which is impressive. Its what he doesnt play. The pauses are perfect to my ear. Not rushed. Its heavily a "call" and "response" piece. It has to talk like a conversation. Beautifully performed.

[@danielliberty7559]

My thoughts exactly. The fermatas allow for great expression of the musician by not specifying the length of the rest. In my opinion it is more accurate to say that during the rests he "plays nothing" rather than "not playing".

[@tarek-khdr]

Exactly, if you don't have a musical background it might be hard to understand really but what you said is the whole point of the "Fugue".

[@virtuosisimo]

don't be silly, you heard lisa saying that on the simpsons

[@mariefrancegallis1251]

@@danielliberty7559j😊

[@mariefrancegallis1251]

@@tarek-khdr 5:13

[@mertanos]

Many guitarists who attempt this seem to decide that only about a quarter of the notes really matter and gloss over the rest of them. Bach wrote them all for good reason, and you, sir, bring each one alive. Splendid.

[@MASTEROFPUPPETS238]

I bought a tab book to learn this song but, didn’t go through with it as it only contained 1 or two of the musical lines. So for now it’s on the back burner till I can find tab that covers most of the notes, Melodie’s and counterpoint.

[@helloworld1692]

​@@MASTEROFPUPPETS238 please, could you send ne notes or tabs, pls, im 14 yo, have no money

[@Hadar127]

@@helloworld1692 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYbVYX97ZrSZjKc

[@near.observer]

​@@helloworld1692kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIbXhZmgppx2r7c

[@crankfastle8138]

@@helloworld1692 Google is your friend. Free tabs can be found.

[@Dr._Klopek]

Man, this guy’s tone is beautiful, and his volume control is superb. It’s videos like this that make me wish KZbin had a love button instead of just a like

[@tomshaffer7790]

Awesome

[@karlavoss870]

@@davesheil7454 Not necessarily. The guitarist controls the outcome of the tone with his experience, expertise and years of training.

[@francescosfogli6569]

Vero good

[@pauline-RB]

❤ Beautiful indeed. Very! ❤

[@gosugosu1280]

Even the first minute only takes ten years of practice to play it like that. WOW!

[@dependsonwhoyouask9574]

At 2:49 his vibrato, tone and phrasing are marvelous…… his whole performance here is so wonderful, breathtaking in parts, I loved every note

[@mlough21]

A brave man to try this on a guitar, speechless.

[@tony69em]

Especially brave by being the one solo instrument.

[@tony69em]

Maybe you haven't heard. There is a band named, "Sky". They did an amazing cover of this. Go check it out.

[@MissGimpsAlot]

Me: *looks at my ukulele* Uke: *don't even think about it*

[@kbushehri]

Check out taimane. Shes done a beautiful rendition of it on uke :)

[@mauritiusdunfagel9473]

You: Hell, I am going to try!

[@themightychippy3756]

*strums a C*

[@diabmbaideen4976]

Im in tears 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Potato-ee8zf]

The one in your hands doesn't look like a uke, it more or less resembles a potato😊

[@clevelandtyler2]

That is 250% the greatest sounding guitar EVER made. Unbelievable

[@painter1955]

Bach himself would be astounded by your performance! I certainly was!

[@elucify]

I had precisely this thought.

[@charleseskrigge8267]

Bach would have given a standing ovation!

[@philipershler420]

This is without a doubt one of the finest performances of Bach’s Masterpiece that I have ever had the pleasure to have enjoyed. The fact that is performed on a guitar makes it even more special. The attention to the intensity of the sound and the absolute clarity of the call and response sections of the piece are flawless. It is a towering performance of an exquisitely crafted composition. Bravo!

[@blue_jezuz]

tottaly agree with you. The partita (BWV 1004) played on guitar is another awesome piece.

[@johnkaicher2073]

The most beautiful guitar rendition of J.S. Bach's masterpiece. Thank you.

[@JosueMartinez-ww1vj]

The most beautiful rendition of Bach in all instruments.

[@Anton_the_Vampire]

Classical guitarist myself. I would never have imagined this piece could be played on our instrument.

[@DannyWJaco]

Aside from the unbelievably musical and technically perfect performance, hats off to the audio/video tech who filmed and recorded it. The sound quality and acoustics is ethereal.

[@mrosenfield6134]

That audio/video tech is non-other than another spectacular classical guitarist Mr. Drew Henderson. I highly recommend to check out Drew. As well, he's part of a duo called the HK Duo. Drew plays with Michael Kolk also amongst the stellar classical guitarists on the planet.

[@displaychicken]

This has to be one the great guitar performances of all time. My mind is blown.

[@boykapopova1089]

Брависимо! Седнах уж за минутка да отдъхна и сега не мога да стана… като в приказка е вълшебно и това е силата на виртуозния музикант, да те освободи от собствения недъг и да те пренесе на едно съвършено място, където няма присъди, няма тревоги, няма и време - то нали времето е нашият най-голям враг. Г-н Тарик, вашите ръце ме пренесоха на едно по-хубаво място и сега се усмихвам и ми е топло и спокойно на душата. Брагодаря Ви!

[@MohdSahzirin1985Entertainment]

steady enchanting soul🎉🎉

[@whenifeellikeit]

Electric guitarists choose amps and these top classical guitarists pick their churches. The performance is a blend of history, wood, stone, technique, dedication and love. Thank you.

[@roxierocker5624]

I'm a student classical guitarist, ... (studied piano for 7 years), but this performance is unreal. I'm ready to simply throw my "Fernando Sor Studies" out the window, and go back to playing harmonica as I did when I was 8 years old, {which I never got the hang of either}. I'm 66 years old now, ... guess maybe in another life. Brilliant performance!

[@merijnreerink1799]

Keep going. The only person you're competing with is in the mirror. It's not about the destination, it's about journeying through a life filled with music.

[@NUCLEARxPHOENIX]

I know you posted this a year ish ago... I learned guitar right handed (even though I'm not right hand dominant) off and on throughout high school and college. Unfortunately I got sick and even though it barely stuck during lessons I seriously lost it after all of my surgeries and such... I decided to buy an electric left hand guitar and use Rocksmith to learn (I am still debating a teacher because one on one can't be beat) but maybe that'll help you keep with it?! They have lessons and technique games as well as "learn a song". Not to mention you can get custom content so you don't have to pay for songs to learn though the popular ones are locked to pay. I think it might help because it has me! We all know how much we need music in our lives and I'd hate for you to give up! If I can do it through physical and mental trauma and illness than so can you! I believe in you!!! 💙😁

[@Andreas-yy8uk]

You and I get to experience masters perform here. I too had dreams but never dreamt of hearing something like this.

[@andrewswift2683]

​@@merijnreerink1799 Well said!

[@zahykhoury]

Mr. Bach would have been enchanted listening to this...

[@goborbobor4851]

He would have left his organ and picked up the guitar.

[@drj602]

The tone here is astonishing!

[@jehanasaad5548]

This video is worth watching a million times a day without getting bored There are no words in the world to express how much I love and respect you، Thank you for giving music more beauty and life، You are a copy that will never be repeated in the history of music.❤👑

[@tmfos]

How can a humble twangbox with 6 strings sound better than a church organ? In Mr Harb’s hands, it can! Unbelievable skills and musicality Tariq, thank you

[@paularcher9176]

It’s actually a very expensive hand made luthier built twang box with 6 strings ..........

[@tientje98]

@@paularcher9176 lol was about to say, not sure a 3k instrument should be called a twang box haha

[@mickbachner]

@@tientje98 Yeah, fair point, but compared to several million for a new concert organ, even 3K might be described as something of a twangbox! Still Fantastic performance by Tariq Harb on a great guitar.

[@peterscarfe4354]

My Ex Wife bought me the Music to this about 30 years ago for Christmas,no other presents were opened that day,Love Bach's Music.This is a fantastic performance.Loved it.

[@ManwithAx]

You better open that fruit cake Peter

[@SancheSMF]

Very professional. Respect from Russia.

[@lamorsadealicia2350]

Classical guitar player here. This interpretation is absolutely gorgeous. Speechless.

[@not-me1]

Исполнено потрясающе , слушаю и чувства переполняют : слёзы на глазах , нет слов...Спасибо вам...💘💔

[@adamu6941]

without the sensitivity of the soul, the technique is nothing, we are lucky to see that you have both :)

[@johntaylor8463]

On church organ this feels like getting hit by a tidal wave. Hearing it on guitar I'm sat by a fast pebbly stream in spring.

[@sarahs8371]

True

[@roger86090]

I saw your performance at Tokyo International Guitar Competition 10 years ago. Since then, I become a big fan of you!

[@TeeHarb]

Thank you for your support throughout these years! 🙏

[@ahol967]

I was too amazed by the performance. It shows a Toccata in another light...as a light and lovely. I would never thought that it would sound so nice on a guitar.

[@maneki9neko]

This is a special performance. I am all admiration.

[@hannuhedman5882]

I can't believe Bach sounds this good on classical guitar. I got goose bumps on my skin.

[@blainesnow1476]

Sitting here with tears streaming down... so much beauty pouring forth - Bach's incomparable music, Tariq's incomparable playing, that gorgeous guitar, the acoustics of the chapel, the outstanding, audio recording, videography and editing, all coming at me at once on this incredible color screen and speakers in my home... could we be so lucky? to have ears to hear such celestial perfection?

[@ibrahimattalla869]

Closed my eyes and listened. What a treat… the best 9 minutes wellness for my soul! Thanks Tariq for this great performance.

[@DavideSablone]

The human journey in its fullness is contained in this masterpiece. Incredible.

[@davindefriis9141]

When Tariqs guitar meets Bach, the sounds of symbiotic masterpieces fill the air, our soul and eternity with loving humility...

[@user-dd7qw5lr3u]

Never enough of this ♾️

[@UngeJan]

2023 ! WOW ! And he still Rocks ! And that's is also IMPRESSIVE here in this Electro Tech AI World of TODAY. I'm Amazed. 😎🎸🤘

[@MachDoch74]

living near Koethen in Germany, where J.S.Bach lived for 6 years, videos like this bring me to tears..

[@user-vw6df1in1f]

Музыкант поцелованный Богом! Моя благодарность и наилучшие пожелания!

[@axkoula7851]

I stumbled upon this performance while searching for the piano version. I've only had a few years of musical training on the guitar. i am not qualified to judge the artist's technique, which to my ears sounds impeccable. I clicked because i thought it can't be done and I was wrong. Ok time to dust off the old guitar and get practicing!

[@dimpap3092]

I am a guitar player (solist grade). I have performed this piece in music halls. But this performance brought endless tears in my eyes. The feeling, the clarity, the dynamic range, the resonance of the guitar... Majestic. I felt like i was back in the middle grade of practice comparing your performance with mine.... Thank you from the deepest core of my heart.. Is there a chance to buy this recording in full bitrate? A cd quality perhaps?? I' d love to listen it in my high end set... Again and again...

[@pgspliffs4449]

Pure talent. The world needs more of this,.

[@bcnzpb]

Wow. The guitar adds so much passion and soul to this piece. Also, love the expressiveness of the performer, he's not just playing the piece, he's... FEELING it. Amazing job.

[@DrJohn-rl9zg]

The star of piercing brightness...I couldn't have said it better myself. Peace to you, my friend.

[@marcelodoo6422]

F*** Yeah!!!! What a play!!! Watch it a hundred times!

[@pdef1949]

I am also a guitarist and I am in awe and nearly stunned to hear this favorite piece played on guitar, which I would not have thought possible until hearing this. I would love to be able to play this, even just a few passages.

[@12StringHWY]

This man has got to be a robot. No human has timing that perfect. Listen closely if you don't believe me. That almost impossible to play this that clean.

[@intrepidshedman3309]

But no robot could get that tone

[@MrPaulneitsov]

One of the greatest guitar performances on the internet.

[@alfredseeck5794]

Thanks for my very old ears smilling in tears your so doing touch my Soul. ...

[@rangerwhiskeybreath4935]

As a guitar player I don't take any of this for granted. this is savage!

[@joycesanders4898]

..savage.🤟🎸🖤

[@DoU12Rock]

The natural reverb in that hall is beautiful

[@xpump876]

Not a piece I'd consider in guitar repertoire, but Mr. Harb provides a amazing and masterful performance. I was suprised to see how well this music lays out on the guitar in Am, its like the music was written with the guitar in mind!!

[@Patrick-xm9hp]

Great Moment, thank You Genious Tarik Harb

[@user-db2mj8bx3t]

Гениально....спасибо за музыку за то ,что Вы есть.💥🌟🌹

[@monicad213]

I was raised in a guitar store. A beautiful childhood with musicians visiting from all over the world. This monumental piece would often be played. Very few mastered it with such grace, skill, and resonance. Thank you for sharing. I listen to this and am better for it.

[@abdulkadirerenozturk8497]

I just wanted to have a peek and 9 minutes have passed. It is amazing how a man sitting in a room, with a piece of wood and strings can make these universal sounds.

[@Musecrafter]

I have had the privilege to see some of the greatest musicians in the world across many genres including Isaac Stern, Emanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, Yoyo Ma, Tommy Emanuel, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani among many, many others but I do not believe I have seen anything quite like this performance! Truly the hours, days, years, decades of playing and love for the instrument show brightly! "Well done" seems so woefully inadequate.

[@NCYWG]

Now that's what happens when someone gives God a guitar! The best 9 minutes I've ever spent on KZbin!

[@renanrossidias]

Now tell me: How in the world could someone hit the dislike button to this masterpiece?

[@MrBohemio123]

Two reasons,,,, They were looking for reggueton, or they end up on this chanel by mistake,,, maybe they are just deaf.

[@josephsuti6905]

An idiot 🙄

[@viarnay]

Dyslexia

[@00vTv00]

They live down under, where down is up to them, duh.

[@noneofyobusiness4449]

Some idiot who prefers to watch other idiots doing idiotic things on social media.

[@y.u.doodat9133]

Mr Harb’s hands are an entire orchestra, his fingers individual members, all in perfect timing, rhythym, and harmony. Mind-blowing performance!

[@hyhtgfddxhjbhhgfrfg]

This man is an alien.....so violent for a brain....amazing....nobody is really ready for listen ...exceptionnel!!!!!!...

[@Fishsticks187]

The way Bach could use so many different chord progressions in a single phrase and still find a way to resolve it is truly mind-blowing. Bravo sir, a magnificent performance.

[@TheMusicalEvents]

Breathtaking ...and Bach doesn't leave much space to recover if you falter. The power of memory you need for this kind of music is beyond comprehension ... wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

[@artyomlobanov3029]

Какое счастье - иметь возможность услышать безупречное исполнение любимого классического произведения! Огромное Вам спасибо! Удивительный талант!

[@user-se3dc4bf5f]

Это не гитарист , а золото: очень талантливый!!!! Браво!!!!!!!

[@porro83]

Imagin you're in 1751 and neighBROur came and tells you to listen to the new Bach mixtape and you ear this banger as a bonus track : 🤯

[@catzkeet4860]

Lovely....so clean too. Arpeggios where each note can be discerned, but still with shade and tone. The delicacy that the guitar brings to a piece that is so well known is very pleasing to the ear.

[@kerryburns6041]

To play that from memory -- unbelievable ! To give fullness to every note, and presence to the space between the notes -- sheer bliss. I came to this straight after hearing Narciso Yepes, and it carried me even higher. Thank you so much.

[@RobertShiplett]

we missed this in Fredericton last week ... what we heard was wonderful

[@UngeJan]

I keep returning to this video.. - I feel like I'm acting in a scene in Clockwork Orange movie every time I hear this. J.S.Bach 🤘✊🏼👊

[@TimothyCampling]

Even Bach would be amazed at this beautiful rendition.

[@Atomico1313]

This is clean, pleasant execution, without adaptations or improvisations. A masterpiece executed in the image and likeness of its creator!

[@karenringer5995]

Lost for words . fantastic 🎉

[@noelmantovani8511]

Tellement c'est fabuleux à écouter que je reviens régulièrement ...

[@francescodelsole4861]

Pezzo non facile per la chitarra suonato divinamente con assoluta sicurezza.

[@davidbothof1077]

There are a lot of organists who have posted their renditions of this song to KZbin who need listen to this. His tempo and feeling are absolutely perfect! He GETS it. It's not a race... it should be felt. Amazing job!

[@user-ll9pk3ny1m]

Это истинное счастье слушать такого виртуоза!

[@keithbaumgardner8460]

Here I lay in bed one night trying to turn of the world and run across this gem! What phrasing and what musical control! After listening to this for just five minutes i am completely relaxed and not thinking about the world. Thank you Tariq for sharing such beauty with the world.

[@apriori1496]

Как нежно, оказывается, звучат произведения Баха, исполненные на гитаре. Понравилось очень.

[@user-mx6ie5pr7o]

Я бы сказала: именно это произведение! А Пера-Улофа Киндгрена не слышали? Тоже очень «нежно»: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYLVqZiJm7CZqbs

[@user-hs2gb1di7r]

Исполнитель раскрыл максимальные возможности гитары исполняя это произведение! Браво !!!

[@elizabethclark394]

Just as impressive as on organ, brilliantly done and so different to John Williams/Sky version which i adore. Thank you for the joy.

[@lawrence1960]

This player is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

[@elwen9477]

I'm speechless... 12 years of guitar and just feel as a beginner after watching you play. No words can express how that piece made me feel. Thank you sir.

[@fredrikmoback146]

I’m a guitar player and been playing for a long time now. Heard lot’s of interpretations. But this is the most brilliant one ever. I thougt, no way you’d pull of this one on guitar. But this is better than any organ version. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@alyschacon5332]

Enfin une interprétation qui respecte la sensibilité de la Toccata à la guitare. C'est la vrai bonne interprétation qui élève l'âme.

[@amg2u]

I'm ruined, ruined. How can this be bettered, except to hear it again, it will be always new. These notes, how they are played and expressed, come from a fountain so fresh and alive. And the performance, such apparent ease. Ruined. Anything less will be difficult. 260 videos, my salvation. Thank you for sharing.

[@lucverlinde8993]

Un arrangement somptueux du Me Edson LOPES et une interpétation techniquement parfaite:et surtout un guide sûr pour toucher la plus profonde spititualité de BACH . Merci Mr. Tariq,

[@earlgrey9964]

Bravo, Maestro....this touched my soul.

[@scawhitwell]

I don't know enough elegant phrases to fully express my admiration for this playing. The tremendous space the playing creates with what is essentially an intimate instrument is breathtaking. Thank you.

[@seantracy5624]

Tone. Dynamic control. Fun. Perfect. Loved this 100 %

[@antoinemartins8478]

Merci!!! Sublime interprétation, mais sublime aussi ce compositeur qui il ya 3 siècles nous a offert cet immense cadeau qui inspire encore aujourd'hui les plus contemporains de nos musiciens.

[@FabioAneto]

2:50 absolutely gorgeous!

[@josh2566]

He didn’t play a musical piece. He played his feelings on this beautiful composition. Supreme interpretation. Bravo Bravissimo!

[@aprichman]

Every so often a video really stops you in your tracks, this is one of them.

[@user-vx1lb6ff3e]

Блестящая игра! Браво! И спасибо за такую преданность музыке!

[@arminmathy3995]

How can one dare to transpose Bach's powerful Toccata and Fuge for organ to guitar? What Tariq Harb did - it's for me a miracle and a new way to enjoy this great music.

[@antoinehurtado4596]

The exact spirit. Thank you Tarik. It’s alive, again.

[@TheGuggo]

I didn’t think it would be possible to play a 3-voice fugue in a proper way on a guitar. On.y one hand picking the strings, no more than 5 notes played at once, no registers. I changed my mind after hearing to this performance. Bravo!