Toccata in F BuxWV 156

The flamboyant F major toccata (BuxWV 156) possibly shows Buxtehude at his most 'phantasticus'. The piece is full of improvisatory flourishes over pedal points, punctuated by two short, rhythmic fugues. With its twists and turns, changes of key and meter, this piece sparkles and dazzles like the morning sun.

The organs of Arp Schnitger are well-suited to works of Buxtehude. Although much smaller than the instrument he would have known at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, the organ at Noordbroek is full of colour and thus perfect for the contrasting sections of Buxtehude's freely composed organ works.