Toccata e ostinato (1993)

Thomas Åberg (b. 1952) — Toccata e ostinato (1993) for organ

“Toccata e ostinato” (1993) is a two-part work. The toccata is indebted to North German baroque “stylus phantasticus” toccatas (e.g., Buxtehude). The main ideas are freely developed and a number of pedal cadenzas are heard. The freedom of the toccata is answered by the music box-like precision of the ostinato, which has an enigmatic and scherzo-like character. A simple three-beat (D-Ab-D) ostinato pattern runs throughout, but its rhythm is continually disrupted with constantly changing meters and added rests.

Thomas Åberg (b. 1952) was born in Stockholm, Sweden and works there as composer, concert organist, and music administrator. Most of his works are written for the organ and are characterized by their rhythmic joy, simplicity, and humor. He has stated that “music must bring enjoyment, without abandoning reverence,” and as such his style often uses the most basic of musical materials to create a discourse that is both spiritual and visceral. His music has been performed by organists at festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and the USA. He also tours regularly worldwide as concert organist with his own works.

Published by Noteria (http://www.noteria.se)