This is a paraphrase of what is probably the most famous organ work in the world: Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565. It was originally published under the pseudonym John Campbell McLagan as Bach's Strathspey by the now-defunct music publisher LVS. The piece has been extended for this new edition, with a few cheeky details added.

The piece can be played on almost any organ, even on a one-manual instrument, offering corresponding dynamic levels. The sections marked "solo ad lib." can be played either on one or two manuals at the performer's discretion. Registrations and all changes to the color of the sounds are left to the performer.

The interpreter should introduce a swing rhythm, for example, by playing two successive quavers (eight notes) as a crotchet and quaver (quarter note and eight note) triplet.

I hope that My Bach will live up to the composer's intention to give pleasure to performers and listeners at unusual services and concerts (perhaps immediately following a rendition of the original piece) and at organ demonstrations.

Andreas Willscher