Toccata, Op. 9 - Jean Guillou

Ben Kerswell on the Fisk-Rosales organ, Op. 109/21
Edythe Bates Old Recital Hall and Grand Organ
Rice University in Houston, TX
"From the earliest use of the word, the name 'Toccata' has often been given instead of 'Sonata' as the title of a work for keyboard. This Toccata, while it does bear some resemblance to sonata form, has three subjects and a highly classical, solidly structured form. Its themes are rhythmical in character and rich in dramatic content. The imposing first theme is initially heard fortissimo, with its fragmented rhythmic and melodic elements; it reappears in the epilogue at the end of the work. A second theme then enters on a solo stop, quieter and more melodious, though over a restless accompaniment that is to emerge as a third theme while the first theme is restated over repeated chords. Each of the episodes in this work is a powerful affirmation of these motifs, breathing life into them as they grow in intensity, at last reaching a ringing proclamation of the second theme which in turn leads to a final, peremptory and decisive return of the first idea. The whole work thus exemplifies the two aspects of the organ, melodic flexibility and an almost aggressive percussiveness, which combine to give the instrument its tragic and flamboyant powers of expression." - Jean Guillou

[@coronadojet]

What kind of genius you must be!? Playing this great piece without reading any notes, your’re close to a human machine which plays everything downloaded from your brain like a pc! Please ad much more of your finest organ play, I cannot await to hear more of your perfect artwork. It’s so amazing to see, how you love to play the organ!

[@MaGen0816]

Wonderful. Wunderbar. :)

[@AndrewJirele]

Bravo Ben!!!!!! Your performance at AGOKC 2018 of the Dupré Variations sur un Noël was also incredible!!!!!

[@BruceXuHasADream]

^^

[@BruceXuHasADream]

WOWWW at 7:40 that low 32' really growls!!😍 CRAZY!!!**!*!

[@fiskfan1999]

Great

[@BruceXuHasADream]

I really like the groove at 5:30 ! what kind of polyrhythm or rhythm is that?

[@dmrankin3031]

Love your style! How about some Messiaen?

[@BenKerswell]

Look for a new video next week. 😊

[@dmrankin3031]

@@BenKerswell Yeah!

[@james.flores]

You have phenomenal memory work! Do you have a specification for this organ?

[@BenKerswell]

Right here: www.rosales.com/instruments/op21/index.htm

[@MrGisela64]

B R A V O ! ! ! -Noch von keinem anderen - incl. den Komponisten selber - besser gehört!!

[@cliveso]

Bravo for conquering such a challenging piece, but in my opinion you can be far more aggressive!

[@james.flores]

Could you please upload your rendition so we have an idea of a more aggressive performance?

[@cliveso]

@@james.flores Two versions by Guillou and one by Yves Devernay, if you would spare just one second searching instead of making some moronic non-comment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4LIdYSAj52af6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX6le2irgrybZ80 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGiwnK2Cas6dr9E

[@stephenrouse2493]

sounds like bad music to a bad black and white silent movie.