Bach lived in Leipzig, Germany and did very little travelling. However, whenever musicians came through town, he would make a point of hearing them. So he wrote a vast array of music of different cultures including English Suites, French Suites, Italian Concerto, as well as a wealth of other music. He wrote weekly masses at the church where he worked. At one point, he was composing music for 3 different churches!
One of Bach’s most substantial bodies of work are his 48 Preludes & Fugues known as, The Well Tempered Clavier. He celebrated the advancement of tuning technology, which finally afforded the possibility of playing in all 12 keys without the necessity of re-tuning the instrument, by composing Preludes and Fugues in each of the major and minor keys. As if that wasn’t enough, he composed 2 books of them!
The Toccatas are pieces in which Bach explores free-form writing.
This gives insights as to what it might have been like to hear Bach improvise music at the keyboard. The E minor Toccata starts with a short movement, then goes right into a fugue. Then there is a very free movement which is like a fantasy. Finally, an incredible fugue with a subject that only Bach could utilize with his brilliance with counterpoint. It is a long, fast subject, and the fugue ends with a flourish of notes for a rousing ending to this fantastic piece!
13 thoughts on “Bach Toccata in E Minor – Robert Estrin, Pianist”
Thank you Robert for this information and your beautiful playing of this Bach piece. How can you not love Bach? You show your gift of piano playing and your respect for this truly genuine composer of all composers! Being new to the piano and love of classical music and the best modern music, I continually learn of Bach and what he means to the whole scope of music development, it is mind blowing. I did not know that he preceded both Mozart and Beethoven who revered him for his great talent! I just found out today that Bach lost both parents in one year when he was 9 years old. I know how many if not most musicians are driven to music excellence in their search to fully express themselves emotionally particularly after the death of loved ones. Everything is a mystery, and Bach and you and many other musicians make it more enjoyable. You made my day today Robert! All the best to you!
Bach was incredible in the diversity and sheer quantity of great compositions he left. There is also so much of his music that got lost since he wasn’t rediscovered until the 19th century when Mendelssohn worked in the same church in Leipzig, Germany where Bach had worked and found his scores. https://livingpianos.com/who-is-the-greatest-composer-of-all-time/ Bach also had 20 children, many of whom became composers in their own right. https://livingpianos.com/what-is-a-fugue-bach-toccata-in-e-minor/
Wow, I wonder what may have been lost. I guess we are on the same wavelength even though I am a beginner… I read your article on who was the greatest composer and I agree even though you know 10x more than I do. My light bulb has been turned on after getting to know more about Bach. You know, its like “Who’s your Daddy?” Who is the mother of all things? Who saturated this world with musical genius that helps keep us in harmonious unity? Bach and his legions of followers. Nice to know you’re on the same side of the playing field, with all the required diplomacy. This whole episode of your Bach performance/presentation/information/etc. has given me more focus and appreciation for everything.
That’s good to hear! Bach inspired so many composers who followed – and musical traditions developed over centuries continuing even today!
It’s amazing to realize that at one point Bach was composing complete masses for three churches each week. When you consider that he had 20 children, it’s hard to imagine what his life was like.
Thank you for a beautiful performance of the Toccata in e minor. It’s a long time since I’ve heard it played.
Glad you like the performance. It is such a beautiful work!
Mozart dies and is greeted by God in heaven. God says “Mozart, it’s wonderful to have you here. You’re such a fabulous musician that we want to make you Celestial Music Director!” And Mozart says “Me? What about Bach?” And God says “I am Bach.”
That’s great!!!
Yes, that is getting closer to the truth! Great Imagination!
Wonderful interpretation!
Thank you!
Wow, I wonder what may have been lost. I guess we are on the same wavelength even though I am a beginner… I read your article on who was the greatest composer and I agree even though you know 10x more than I do. My light bulb has been turned on after getting to know more about Bach. You know, its like “Who’s your Daddy?” Who is the mother of all things? Who saturated this world with musical genius that helps keep us in harmonious unity? Bach and his legions of followers. Nice to know you’re on the same side of the playing field, with all the required diplomacy. This whole episode of your Bach performance/presentation/information/etc. has given me more focus and appreciation for everything.