Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 - Van Doeselaar | Netherlands Bach Society

From Disney’s Fantasia to The Phantom of the Opera, the opening of the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, performed by Leo van Doeselaar for All of Bach, has provided many memorable moments. The secret is in the striking first note, followed by that brief, tense moment of silence and the overpowering descending series of notes (or variations on it, like in Pirates of the Caribbean). Unfortunately, Bach’s own score has not survived, which has led to many speculations on the creation date of this wild and original composition that is actually not very ‘Bach-like’.

Leo van Doeselaar, organist
Organ: Arp Schnitger, 1692

[theforlanjoker]

Jus imagine being back in the day and hear this smashing out of the church.

[monicacall]

My mother was a professional organist and I remember listening to her practice this piece among many of Bach’s glorious works for the organ. Such happy memories! What a stirring performance! I’m sure that Bach would be pleased and honored to hear his music performed with such feeling and finesse.

[marknelson-girtchen]

When you look at him, you can say he is one with the music.

[kryzadmz]

I thought I heard every possible interpretation of this piece within the realm of good Bach performance practice and good taste and believed there was nothing new to say. Well, Van Doeselaar proved that I was completely wrong! He breathes new life and new meaning into a piece that has been turned into a cliche thanks to cheesey advertisements and bad vampire movies, and finds so much hidden beauty and drama in the piece and makes it all new again. So grateful for this performance!

[jobrouwenhorst]

The way he plays and puts his passion into it is admirable

[andremare]

I can never get tired of this piece of Bach. I don't know how many hundreds of times I've listened to it ! Thanks Mr van Doeselaar for a new rendition !

[rcjhku]

The player is a master playing a master's masterwork.

[RixPayne]

This is probably one of the best renditions of this Fugue I've ever heard.

[thedogfatherjt]

Every time I look for a piece by J.S. Bach on YT I find the renditions of the Netherlands Bach Society to be the best. Fantastic!

[angelicamartacahyaningtyas]

Why people hate the ending in major chord? It's great.
I'm a bit shocked at first. But then I realised, renaissance music always end in major chord, whatever key being played. It's not totally wrong to continue musica ficta practice in baroque piece. It's part of interpretation.
I'm glad he did that. Especially because the organ's temperament allows that.

[Shnarg]

Brilliant rendition. Was blown away by the surprise ending on the D major chord!

[sivanataraja]

Thank you, Mr van Doeselaar. I cannot say anything else. It is the most powerful and meaningful rendition of this piece of music I have ever listened to. I am moved to tears.

[displaychicken]

I wish that everybody could love their job as much as this guy.

[mesquite]

Leo van Doeselaar playing Bach’s „Toccata and Fugue in D minor“ on this amazing Schnitger organ ! Wow, you can’t top that - A FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE 🥰

[guavaguy]

I love how out of all the organist they choose Van Doeselaar. No one else could be a better choice.

[silvanmeschke]

This is especially satisfying if you have heard many interpretations of this before. He plays it in a very special and refreshing way, and there’s a big suprise around every corner. Still it‘s extremely convincing! This is great art!

[mpolan]

Undoubtedly the best recording of this piece I have ever heard.

[FirestormT]

"I absolutely love this performance. I appreciate your efforts. From the bottom of my heart Thank you so much."

[wilhelmpetersen]

Ik hoor deze uitvoering vor de zoveelste maal en ik kan er niet genoeg van krijgen !
Een magistrale uitvoering op een van de mooiste orgels die ik ken, muzikaal zowel als visueel.
De emotionaliteit die van Van Doeselaar in zijn interpretatie legt is beyond praise.

[gijsschubert]

Utter concentration and marvellous dancing of his hands from 4:09 onwards. Wonderful playing.