Thread: Did Bach really compose the Toccata and Fugue in D minor

The attribution of the Toccata and Fugue in D minor to Bach has been challenged since the 1970s by a number of scholars. There are atypical features throughout the piece and even frankly broken chords. For some time there were theories that it was the product of a young and adventurous Bach, or that it was in fact a piece meant as an organ test.. There's the name -- Bach's generation would have called it "Praeludium et fuga," not Toccata and Fugue -- and a progression of notes Bach never would have allowed.

"Bach's greatest inspiration is invariably revealed through his complete mastery of the 'rules,' "
The evidence of rule-breaking includes doubling at the octave and the curious minor cadence that ends the Toccata, both not heard elsewhere in Bach's organ output (usually even a work in a minor key concludes with a major chord). The Toccata also brims with harmony and counterpoint bordering on simplistic for the masterful composer.

"No other Bach fugue contains such feeble part-writing," writes Fox-LeFriche, citing the "complete absence of contrasting rhythm, contrary motion or a least a few notes that don't slavishly follow the subject."

In short, the Toccata and Fugue approaches nothing Bach ever wrote for the organ, or ever wrote at all.

"It is certainly very different than any of his organ works," says Don Fellows, organist at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. "There are parts that don't fit the hands."

So if Bach did not write the Toccata and Fugue, then who did?

I have no idea who wrote it .. but in my humble opinion, I don't think BACH did, I mean listen to it!

Originally Posted by Jimm

I have no idea who wrote it .. but in my humble opinion, I don't think BACH did, I mean listen to it!

If he did, it is about the only piece of really ripe cheese he ever produced :-)

I believe it was written by Vincent Price or perhaps a young Bela Lugosi.

The Toccata and Fugue is a gorgeous piece, as worthy as any great piece by Bach. I have to wonder why somebody would assume that Bach didn't write something because it has many things about it which are unique among his works. Wouldn't it make sense that a really great composer like Bach might explore different things? Wouldn't it make sense for not all of his works to be exactly the same?

If somebody else wrote it, I'd like to see proof, and I'd like them to receive their due credit. If Bach didn't write this, that doesn't diminish it at all, but you gotta provide some genuine evidence rather than the classical music equivalent of 9/11 truther arguments before people will consider it in serious capacity.

Originally Posted by Hilltroll72

Hah. Based on the samples above, it works much better on violin.

I've heard the theory behind it being written for violin before, but that's the first time I've heard it played on violin. Sounded great! I also love the hell out the Leopold Stokowski version.

Originally Posted by Couchie

It's very unique and memorable. That rules out most Baroque composers.

Oh dear! Are you losing your memory then?