Toccata and Fugue (2004)

Marian Sawa (1937–2005) — Toccata and Fugue (2004) for organ

“Toccata and Fugue” (2004) was one of Sawa’s last organ works and was composed as the required piece for competitors in the 2005 International “Pro Organo” performance competition in Poland.

Marian Sawa (1937–2005) was a Polish composer, organist, and teacher. As a famed specialist in organ improvisation, he taught the subject for many years at several conservatories, most notably the F. Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. He was a frequent member of organ competition juries throughout the world, and won numerous prizes himself for his compositions and recordings. With nearly 1000 pieces in many genres, Sawa was an extremely prolific composer, and his own instrument, the organ, looms very large in his output. Besides hundreds of solo organ pieces, there are many works for organ with instruments and voices, and five organ concerti. Like many composers in Eastern European countries, religious themes inspire inspired much of his music. Sawa's personal style draws upon the influence of Gregorian chant and Polish folk hymns and songs (even when they are not quoted directly), alongside both traditional and contemporary harmony.

Published by Pro Organo/Triangiel Music Publishers (http://www.triangiel.com)