bonzeroo (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is unquestionably THE quintessential version of this piece. Biggs' distictive nuances and passion come through his playing as no other rendition does. I've personally seen Mr. Biggs perform this live, which was nothing short of amazing. I could have sworn that he had four arms and six feet! I had the LP with this piece on it and wore it out. Thanks ever so much for posting this. Actually being able to hear this again after 30 years is serendipitous indeed!

MillerMeteor74 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This piece came out on an album by E. Power Biggs called Bach Organ Favorites. From what I've been able to find out, it was released in 1961, two years before I was born. My parents played this album all through my childhood, and I now have my own copy of it, as well as the CD. I never tire of listening to it. This organ, as well as Biggs himself, are the best. I now have a huge collection of his albums. Great stuff!

LoneMonk1 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

One day when I was about 8 years old, I went to the library and by mere chance, picked out this album by Biggs and played this Toccata and Fugue. I instantly fell in love with the music of Bach. The genius of Bach really shines through and touches the soul.

TheAudioCritic (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I agree. I have several Biggs LP's and they are so much more dynamic that CD

HolyMotherofGrid (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

My first acquaintance with Bach and indeed the entire Baroque period was through this man. He had a way of making music EXITING and alive - a musician's musician if ever there was one. Thanks for posting this!! Brings back a LOT of memories.

HolyMotherofGrid (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Tell it!! Modern digital recording techniques can't compare to what they did back in the '50s: i have a number of 78s from that era, and they convey the full, rich sound of the music much better than anything the modern day machines can match. We think we've progressed so far in our modern "civilization", but in some ways we've gone backwards - and i;m not talking about just music.....

billybobsbest (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I saw a film/video of Biggs playing a concert. The film was on TV in about 1976 or 77 of a past performance. It would be great to see it posted on Youtube. Biggs stood up on the organ seat and led the audience in a cheer for B-A-C-H. Outstanding personality.

ashtonkfan (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is the greatest YOUTUBE clip I have EVER seen, thank you for making it available, may you never walk alone!!

bigcat0615 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

My dad had a 78 of E. Power Biggs and I think it was one of his quadraphonic albums and it sounded great (better than a CD) on his old record player/AM-FM radio/reel to reel console that he had bought back in the 50s from Sears Roebuck. The thing was a beast and had a bunch of vaccuum tubes in it but man did it put out the sound - better than any stereo boombox that I've ever heard

riskyrieske (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

E. Power Biggs was approached to make the first quadraphonic album ever. It was comprised of Bach organ pieces. The organ he performed on (actually four organs tied together on a single keyboard,) was the organ of the Freiburger Muenster (one of the first baroque cathedrals.) My future wife was one of those allowed to sit in on the recording. What a marvelous opportunity it was for her. (I am a bit jealous, to tell the truth.) That was in 1977 or there around.