Toccata and Fugue in d minor
-Johann Sebastian Bach
How does Bach's organ piece continue to resonate in our modern culture?
Listening Activity
Toccata and Fugue in d minor, BWV 565 -Johann Sebastian Bach
​​​​
With October comes Halloween, and with Halloween comes spooky movies, spooky decorations, and spooky music. One of the pieces associated with this time is the Toccata and Fugue in d minor for organ.
Did you know that this monumental organ piece associated with spookiness and Halloween may not have been written for organ originally, and even so, maybe not by the grandfather of western music (Bach) himself? Even though the piece was not popular after Bach's death, the German composer Felix Mendelssohn helped to reignite people's interest in Bach's music through a series of concerts, including Mendelssohn's performance of the piece in an 1840 recital. No original manuscript existed; Only a copy made by a student of a student, Johannes Ringk.
​​
The Toccata and Fugue in d minor is one of the most famous works ever written for the pipe organ, and it’s full of surprises. The word toccata comes from the Italian word toccare, which means “to touch.” A toccata is a piece that shows off how fast and skillful a musician’s fingers (and feet!) can move on the organ’s keyboards and pedals. A fugue is a musical form where one tune chases itself around in layers—like a musical round of tag!
​
The Toccata: A Musical Thunderstorm
The toccata begins with those famous dramatic notes in D minor. "deta-DUUUU... du-ta-de-ta DU DU" It sounds like a lightning bolt striking the air! The opening
three notes make up a little melodic pattern called a mordent. A mordent is an ornament popular in the Baroque period which consists of playing the note, then its lower neighbor, then the note again very quickly. It literally means "bite." The toccata begins with probably the most famous mordent in classical music!
​
This music conjures up a variety of imagery. Some people imagine bats flying through a castle, or heroes entering a secret cave. Others picture Bach himself sitting high up in a church balcony, grinning as the sound echoes all around. What do YOU imagine?
After the opening notes, the organist’s hands fly across the keys, playing runs arpeggios, and echos that sound like wind swirling through the rafters. It’s exciting, a little scary, and completely thrilling—like a musical roller coaster!
​
The Fugue: A Game of Musical Hide and Seek
Then comes the fugue—a whole new section with a catchy little tune called a subject that keeps popping up again and again. One voice starts the subject, then another joins in, then another, each chasing the first like friends playing hide and seek. Bach loved this kind of clever writing; he could take a tiny idea and build it into something gigantic and beautiful.
In this fugue, the music dances and twirls, weaving together until it feels like a grand celebration. Even though the piece started in a dark and mysterious mood, it ends in shining triumph. It’s as if the storm clouds have parted and the sun bursts through the stained glass windows.
​​​Why It’s So Famous
Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is one of the most recognizable organ pieces in the world. You’ve probably heard it in movies, cartoons, or even at Halloween. It’s been used to make scenes feel dramatic, spooky, or full of power. That’s because Bach knew exactly how to use the organ to create emotions—from whispering quiet moments to earth-shaking blasts of sound.
When Bach died in 1750, people didn’t realize just how special his music was. But about 100 years later, composer Felix Mendelssohn discovered the piece and played it for an all-Bach recital at Bach's church. Almost 100 year after that, it was used again, this time as part of the soundtrack to the 1931 film, Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. You may be familiar with it from the 1940 Disney movie, Fantasia. The beginning of the movie begins with this piece! Over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries, a number of movies and cartoons have used it as well, including: The Batman Lego Movie, Gremlins 2, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Simpsons.
Bach’s music reminds us that hard work, curiosity, and creativity can echo through the centuries! Today, he’s known as one of the greatest composers who ever lived.
Why We Still Love It
What makes Toccata and Fugue in D Minor so special? It’s the way it grabs your imagination. It can sound spooky, heroic, exciting, and joyful—all at once. Bach didn’t just write notes; he wrote feelings.
​
So next time you hear those famous opening chords, picture yourself in a grand cathedral, your hair standing on end, your heart racing—and remember that you’re listening to music that has amazed people for centuries.
​
That’s the power of Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.”
About Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (pronounced “Bahkh”) was one of the greatest composers and musicians who ever lived! He was born in Germany in 1685—over 300 years ago—into a huge musical family. In fact, so many Bachs were musicians that people joked you could fill an entire orchestra just with them!
​
Young Johann loved music so much that he once walked more than 200 miles just to study with an organist/composer. He became a brilliant organist himself and worked in churches, teaching choirs and composing hundreds of pieces for organ, voice, and orchestra.
​
Bach’s music is full of patterns, energy, and emotion—it’s like math and art having a beautiful conversation! His famous works include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Well-Tempered Clavier, and the Mass in B Minor. Even though he lived long ago, his music still inspires musicians today—from organists and violinists to pop and movie composers.​
What to listen for
Listen to a recording of Mr. Goen playing Bach's Toccata and Fugue in d minor. As you listen, try to answer the questions:
1. In the Toccata section, what kinds of images do you imagine could go with the music?
​
2. How would you describe the music in the Toccata? Use terms that refer to tempo (speed), dynamics (volume), texture (how many melodies are being played), harmony (major or minor/consonant or dissonant).
3. Compare the music in the Fugue section (2'32") to the Toccata section. How is the tempo? How are the dynamics? How is the texture? You can watch the score and track with the music by watching this video here.
The Fugue section actually degrades into a toccata section again at around 6'06". The main theme, or subject as it's called when referring to a fugue, no longer returns. From this moment on, we have more fast fingers and feet until the end.
Now share your knowledge and insights by tapping/clicking on the button below and filling out the form.