Toccata and Fugue d minor - Accordion

This is me playing an Organ work by J S Bach on piano accordion 160 buttons. Titano Emperor V, quint freebass system.
If you would like a copy of my arrangement, please put your email in a private message to me. I will email a PDF to you.
By the way, my name is Campbell Bettridge.

[@voadordeasadelta]

I live in Brasil, I'am 75 years old. Play acordeom when a have 15 years old...Ok. Today I plaing orgão in Sintezizer (roland). My congratulations, VERY WELL...I like so much.... Edson (sorry,I don t speak english very well.

[@elonkorjaajaklein9483]

Concordo com você, meu caro!

[@brchans]

If i hadn't seen this, I would never believe that this work could be played on accordion like this. Fantastic.

[@fotofigures]

Awe inspiring for all accordionists. Beautifully played. Thanks for sharing.

[@colt.]

its refreshing to see that there is still truly skilled musicians left in the world. Bravo man great piece!

[@anindijewidhie]

The song is very nice on accordion because it was mystic.

[@DrakeMagnum]

This is terrific. I love how the player chooses to be so quiet at certain moments.

[@Robbypax]

Hi Campbell, You are a great master of the piano accordion. Few people know what it takes to play such a magnificent work from J. S. Bach in any keyboard instrument.

[@BillFulbright]

Awesome and inspiring! As a new accordionist at almost 60, I am loving it. 50 yrs of being a guitarist - I so appreciate what it takes to pull this off - talent, preparation, dedication, discipline and emotion. Thanks a million!

[@diego23509]

Man!! You are amazing!!!!!! I never saw anything similar here in Brasil!! Meus parabéns!! Realmente incrivel!!!!!!

[@airmuseum]

My father would have been in awe of your musicality and technique. My compliments. Guido Deiro, Jr.

[@xanthus798]

Your father would certainly know, sir! He was a master performer.

[@AccCam]

Hi, I have 2 octaves of bass notes (in stradella) Pedal C -> B (1.7 octaves). Then Major, Min, Dom 7th, Dim 7th. This piece though is using freebass - no chords, and gives me 1 note short of 5 octaves (including coupler change).

[@SuperDaveOkie]

Phenomenal work. This is an incredible interpretation, down to interpreting the stops! Getting through ANY Bach piece means you're an elite musician. Take your pick. This is unbelievable!!!

[@mbrsart]

Beautifully performed, my friend. The fugue portion is my favorite fugue by far.

[@meshayeah]

this is amazing. I can only wish to some day have such excellent accordion skills

[@eleanordavis698]

I am just entranced by this! Amazing talent and a brilliant and passionate piece. Your instrument is beautiful and I can't imagine having the arm strength to manipulate the bellows like you do. This is one of my favourite videos :)

[@Benz145]

Simply incredible, I would have never thought that this song could be played on an accordion. You don't just play it on an accordion, you play it perfectly.

[@TheLellefix]

This is pretty impressive!

[@Th3xCrucifier]

The accordion is an underestimated musical instrument but brings near orgasmic feelings to one's ear when played very well like this gentleman right here who played this piece amazingly!

[@diealocan]

Maravilloso!!!

[@HUGOLEMOS]

Excelente!!!!

[@KONSTANTINGRIN]

Браво!!!

[@nonous42]

What a convincing demonstration that what matters in music is interpretation. This is awesome, one of the most stunning vid I've ever seen ; when the title says "Toccata and Fugue -- accordion", most people (at least I did) would think: "yeah, why not the 9th symphony with an ocarina?". Well, I was wrong, you have managed to understand this amazingly complex piece extremely well and to communicate its strength to your public. Thanks for sharing, really.

[@JaxUnboxed]

I'd love to have the arrangement. Thanks so much. Amazing.

[@gilmour6754]

Easily the best performance of this piece I've ever seen on the internet.

[@riggy001]

Funny those Rubes didn't know the piece and clapped before it was over!

[@DariusSarrafi]

It's a rare treat to see technical virtuosity accompanying musicianship. You really get Bach!

[@luisfernandopaulucci515]

I'From Brazil! My father play acordeon!......Conglatulations!.......

[@merilee222]

What a phenominal job on this beautiful piece!

[@GutpileCharlie]

OUT STANDING! By the way Amindya Wassidto, this composition is not a "song". It is not a vocal. No words what so ever. It is a Toccata (touch piece)and fugue (a baroque contrapuntal composition).

[@GandaMelgao]

Gutpile Charlie It's a song without words. Do you know the concept? Sometimes, it seems that an instruments just 'sings'. No words needed :) Ok ok.... but I do see your point... common sense says a song is sung and have words :)

[@GutpileCharlie]

GandaMelgao Back off clown, you are out of your league. If you don't know what the hell you are talking about you will do yourself a favor by just not opening your pie hole. You will appear smarter that way.

[@GandaMelgao]

Really?? And who are you to pass judgement?? :)

[@privateer177666]

In D minor

[@matthiasjones]

Very impressive! Not only is this piece played technically correct, but musically you perform very well. I love this song on organ, and now I can say it's just as good on accordion!

[@hatstalker]

i watched this video for the first time 2 years ago. i created a youtube account just to comment on it and you have inspired me to play the accordion ive now been playing for a year. thank you :D

[@Julietjeske]

The breathing is the best part, so smooth and so hard to get those long lines without having to pull the bellows back, also what an amazing instrument and player, Bach is HARD!

[@oldguitarviet]

The best accordion I'd heard for a long time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful musical skill

[@dpetrano]

I did not know this instrument (or its players) could be so extraordinarilly talented. I am in total awe.

[@ATTOPONE]

Magistral! Magnifique! Many years ago, ina depresive traffic jam I asked the Universe to hear this piece and it was the next piece I heard on the radio... Co-creation even before I learned this capacity of using consciousness and will to co-create our reality! Thank you for sharing and congratulations!

[@indigenous71]

Wow just amazing, I thought it was hard on the piano but playing it on the accordian is on a whole different level. And all from memory simply amazing!

[@maudiouser]

How absolutely wonderful and thoughtful is your presentation of this great work. You are VERY talented, both in playing, but more even in your understanding of the piece. Your phrasing and emphasis is really very inspiring. I wish you well in your musical career, and hope that you have the chance to perform and bring this beauty to many many people. sincerely. steve

[@33Keith33]

Sadly, too many people don't take the accordion seriously. This should make them think twice before they cast judgement. Bravo!

[@tilongatao]

Wahnsinn. Man würde das nicht für möglich halten - das ist unglaublich virtuos gespielt, wenn man bedenkt, daß man doch recht viel Kraft braucht dafür. Ich bin sprachlos. Großartig.

[@eoghdes18]

Fabulous performance. You really brought across the aspects of the accordian that are similar to the organ and captured the spirit of this work.

[@Poppasan13]

This is absolutely incredible! At about the 38 second mark my jaw hit the floor and stayed there the rest of the piece. Bravo!

[@canman5060]

Your playing really open my eyes of what a accordion can do.

[@sealkingdaniel]

When I saw the title I never knew that it could be played THIS complete. One must need 3 brains to coordinate this piece on an accordion!

[@journeyer58]

This is by far the absolute best playing of an accordion I have ever seen. This man's talent is second to none. His ability to translate accurately a masterpiece work of a classical nature to an instrument such as this is astounding!

[@arolallen]

A quote, but I think it fits... "Hats off gentlemen, a genius" That is out of this world amazing.

[@0xDigby]

amazing, i cant help but to watch the entire thing through every time im searching around for some music

[@tinaempunkt5982]

Seit Jahren ist das eines meiner Lieblingsvideos hier! Ich bin immer wieder absolut im Fieber, wenn ich diesen Balg auf- und zugehen sehe. Herrlich, wie man diesem majästätischen Instrument (habe selber 13 Jahre gespielt) solche Töne und Stücke entlocken kann. Raubt mir jedes mal den Atem....

[@Phrophesy]

Toccata and Fugue in D minor.......One of most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[@PersonalProtection-USAcom]

This guy is AWESOME! I watch this every few months! WHO needs a whole ORGAN?! NOT This guy!

[@pdavide1]

Absolutely magnificent! I have arranged Bach Toccatas and Fugues for solo piano so I know how much work goes into making one. I really enjoyed listening to this! David E

[@AccCam]

Hi all. I'm from New Zealand, down next to Australia. Been here my whole life, but travelled a little around the world with music. Lots of Fun. Been to Russia, but not Hungary.

[@carolg60]

The first and only time I heard this played on an accordion was 40 years ago on Accordion Day by a young lady who won the British Accordion championship with this same music. She also used a 'free bass' instrument and and I've never forgotten this most amazing sound. You are truely excellent and I love your rendition. You've made my day with your playing.

[@stefenismyname]

You have restored my faith in accordion players!

[@bardaghohio]

Haven't picked up an accordion in decades, but, this has to be one of the most amazing performances I've ever seen. Bravo!!

[@GiovanniMariaTommaso]

Excellent, the wonderful ability of the accordion and the accordionist is that one can be so very expressive in his/her music, showcasing both the art and the talent of the arranger and the performer’s personality in interpretation. The artist’s feelings and emotions come through loud and clear radiating profusely to the audience. In so many ways this is similar to playing the piano. Becoming lost in the experience is utter joy. (GMT) giovanni maria tommaso

[@Ludachris53]

WOW......Just, WOW...That whole thing was just beautiful, beyond belief.

[@nicudanieltoader9492]

This man is a genius because transpose with acordeon same feeling like Tocatta played at organ.Such a nice emotions like audition a real organ

[@hisimperialmajesty]

I won't lie, when I first saw this title, I was convinced that this was going to be cheesey. But nothing of the sort! Nothing short of incredible. Bravo!

[@revsilvio]

Que maravilhosa interpretação! Transportar esse clássico para o acordion é tarefa dificílima, executada com extrema maestria. Muito, muito bom!

[@landerkhan]

As a professional Accordian player once, I so completly respect your work. I played first acciordion i a Bach fugue quartent at the Western States Accordian festival back in the late 60s or early 70s, and I must say, I have never been so enthusiastic to hear your work. In my quartet, we played Bachs fugue in g-flat minor, it was magic, but not as magical as hearing you! I only wish I was a accomplished as you are. BRAVO!

[@ThePolka]

The nice thing about an accordion is that you can take it with you wherever you go and have a orchestra that can express every nuance of human sentiment. It's one of the few instruments in the world that can do that. And, yes, I very much enjoyed your performance. Bravo!!

[@s-c-iulian]

yea, it is some kind of one man band, hard to master tough, few can ...

[@bobemarks]

That is an amazing performance (all from memory) with a free bass accordion. Amazing dexterity! Free bass truely expands the number of compositions you can play. Bravo!!!

[@conrantanchau53]

J S Bach at its BEST ! Thank You Very Much .

[@mahneg23]

Es ist kaum zu glauben wie schön sich klassische Musik auf dem Akkordeon anhören kann. Sehr gut gespielt. Bin zutiefst beeindruckt.

[@jeffborders8140]

This dude is going off!! I've never seen anyone do this like him.

[@jbourdette]

You are great, I must say. I never listened to somebody playing on an accordion like this, specially the way you make it "breathe". Thanks!

[@xkuei]

Amazing, astonishing, awesome, godly, incredible, inhuman, insane, unbelievable! It's impossible until someone does it.

[@ccollalto]

MOST AMAZING PERFORMANCE EVER !!! never imagined to see/listen such thing... all my congratulations, you are a genious !! BRAVISSIMO !!!

[@RoxxorzYourBoxxorz]

Mr. Bettridge, thank you for with this one recording making my life measurably better.

[@zeppy13131]

This is the most ambitious classical transcription for accordion I've ever heard. It deserves _at least_ the half million views it's currently received. Way to go, Campbell!!

[@dichoso68]

Estupendo, Excellent! Marvilloso! Amazing! Exceptional! Breath-taking! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful talent with us!

[@americanojoel]

Bravo! Your art brought tears to my eyes! Thanks for sharing...and if there is a heaven for me, you will be there playing!

[@JimmyJustice4753]

I give you a standing ovation for that fantastic performance !

[@PedanticNo1]

I listen to this when writer's block sets in. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@anotherpercystreet]

Sensational. i never thought the words "this accordion music is brilliant" would pass my lips (or leave my fingertips, in this instance). Baroque accordion - an oxymoron - is to die for. Normally, accordion is to die from!

[@mamlasu]

Stunning interpretation of my favourite baroque piece, great feeling and dynamics. I didn't expect to prefer it to the organ version. Pure mastery!

How the crowd didn't make a riot!?!?!? I was having an epiphany here! I Cried, I screamed, I applaused!!!!!!!! God in heaven...

[@suicidebylifestyle]

I just got my accordion last night, this almost brought me to tears, amazing job!

[@riggy001]

Simply AWESOME! I listened to your arrangement for accordion, then an arrangement for organ played on a pipe organ, then my Time-Life Classical Composers BACH CD, then your arrangement again, and man, you REALLY captured it! The main difference I noticed after listening to the accordion arrangement followed by the organ arrangement was that the organ has a brighter tone, which would be natural given that organs are whistles and accordions are reed instruments. Loved it!

[@Celestino51]

What a talent.... This man is blessed with talent... Thanx for the post...

[@confetto]

WOW! I wept. I could never have imagined this work on accordion. Thanks for sharing your talent!

[@MarcVdp]

Great musician! Close your eyes and you hear almost a real organ, and this with an accordeon. Hats off for Campbell!

[@wkatz0]

Phenomenal. Even down to the dynamics. A true accordian master.

[@Reaper3000]

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE!!!!! I would never be able to do what you did!!! It was a perfect song! Great job! CAN'T STOP SAYING IT!!! SUPER!

[@WilhelmScreamer]

I really underestimated to power of the accordion. I never thought it could be used for a serious sounding song, only for whimsy. I have been proven wrong. Bravo. Bravo. *claps*

[@Elvazur]

Man, you will never stop hearing congratulations. That's admirable.

[@andrew190495]

this is absolutely stunning. you are so gifted its unreal. i cant stop watching this

[@gpeddino]

The accordion is an underrated instrument. Thankfully here are videos like this one to amaze us all. I'm a keyboardist, but once played an accordion for some minutes. I almost went mad. Too many things to pay attention to. LOL.

[@RayBeamBlazer]

I still love this so much. It makes me so happy.

[@Jaroslav5800]

Dokonalý a přesný přednes v mezích daný akordeonem. Musím říci, že nic lepšího jsem zatím neslyšel. Je to vynikající a super. Díky za to!

[@smokey36bear]

This is my favorite piece of music of all time

[@TheRevChuck]

Bravo!!! I'm completely blown away by this!! This was a truly inspiring performance. Thank you!!

[@RFSJ]

Very well done. Not a single missed note. I am very very impressed!

[@mod01311]

This is incredible! I am an organist, and I have to say you've equaled a pipe organ in everything that you did. Congratulations! I never imagined an accordion could be capable of playing like this. Excellent job!

[@CassidyGarfield]

Superlative! Bach, himself, would be bowled over and thrilled. You're remarkable!!!

[@AccCam]

Yeah, I've seen him perform it live too. And also a recording of Friedrich Lips.

[@SonaSmartChild]

This sounds very awsome, i never new that it was possible to play toccata and fugue on a Accordion.

[@jaejunie]

seems like a combination of incredible talent and effort. the performance was fantastic

[@Timothydlol]

just unbelievable, you must be one of the best musicians alive

[@Guiboard]

Wow that's perfect. One of the best interpretation of Toccata & Fugue... Congratulations

[@jpineng]

here from Barcelona ! I know how difficult is this particular Toccata for accordion and I can only say : congratulations.

[@Freebird2202]

Wow! That was awesome. I used to play with polka bands and participate in competitions but have not even taken the instrument out of the case for over 5 years. You inspired me so I am looking forward to playing again. Over 85,000 people have watched this video. You tube rules!