Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

14:57

Samuel Barber's 'Toccata Festiva for organ & orchestra, Op. 36' is a thrilling and virtuosic work that was composed in 1960. The piece was commissioned by the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York to celebrate the opening of the new Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center. The premiere of the work was given on September 27, 1960, with E. Power Biggs as the organ soloist and Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic. The 'Toccata Festiva' is a single-movement work that is approximately 15 minutes in length. The piece is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic drive, as well as its brilliant use of the organ and orchestra. The work is scored for a large orchestra, including brass, percussion, and strings, as well as a solo organ part. The piece begins with a bold and majestic introduction, featuring the full orchestra. The organ then enters with a virtuosic solo passage, which is followed by a lively and rhythmic section featuring the orchestra. The organ and orchestra then engage in a lively dialogue, with the organ taking on a more prominent role in the music. The middle section of the work features a more lyrical and introspective theme, which is introduced by the strings. The organ then takes up this theme, accompanied by the orchestra. This section builds to a powerful climax, with the full orchestra and organ combining in a thrilling and majestic statement. The final section of the work returns to the energetic and rhythmic drive of the opening, with the organ and orchestra engaging in a lively and virtuosic dialogue. The piece concludes with a brilliant and triumphant coda, featuring the full orchestra and organ. Overall, the 'Toccata Festiva' is a thrilling and virtuosic work that showcases the power and versatility of the organ and orchestra. The piece is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic drive, as well as its brilliant use of orchestration and virtuosic solo passages. The work remains a popular and frequently performed piece in the repertoire of both organ and orchestral music.

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