This edition of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue—an eerie opus heard in dozens of scary films and in more than one Scooby-Doo episode—is transcribed by Stuart Carlson for solo violin. Easily one of the most famous pieces of the organ repertoire today, it was first published in 1833 thanks to Felix Mendelssohn.
Carlson, a young competition-winning violinist, has transcribed over 20 classical works since 2008. “While studying Bach’s Toccata and Fugue for organ, I was intrigued by the fact that many of the chords and motifs within it can be transitioned for performance on the violin,” Carlson writes. “I later discovered that there is historical speculation that Bach may have composed this piece for solo violin.” This inspired him to use the urtext version to create this arrangement for solo violin. He arranged it in the original key (D minor) with an aim to emulate the full sound of the organ—but on a violin—and incorporated his own musical and stylistic preferences into the transcription. Fingerings, bowings, articulations, dynamics, and string indications are included to help produce the desired sound and interpretation of the music—features players will welcome in a piece that’s naturally challenging.
While this arrangement shows the work can indeed be played on violin, it is no easy task and will be tricky for even the most capable players, demanding heavy and precise bowing, difficult fingerings, and occasionally awkward string crossings. Elements of the toccata are especially difficult when played on the violin, such as octaves in the opening motif and the multiple stops that outline the chordal structure. The fugue will require “woodshedding” for any violinist to become comfortable with the string crossings, multiple-stops, and perpetual motion of the 16th notes. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of interpreting the piece is achieving a large and full tone reminiscent of a true organ performance.
If you’re a big Bach fan, and a violinist who wants to challenge yourself with a unique arrangement of this organ classic, then treat yourself to this tricky transcription.
