BWV 910-916

Henle Verlag

Bach most likely composed his Toccatas in his early creative years, between 1707 and 1713; they can be seen as the products of Bach's own “Sturm und Drang” period, and were not planned as an interconnected work cycle, but as autonomous works written at different times. As was customary for this genre, the toccatas emphasize virtuoso and improvisatory elements, and, occasionally, the recitative aspect as well. What is indispensable is Bach's mastery of the polyphonic technique, the rich harmonies, and the inexhaustible wealth of his inventiveness.