Toccata from Suite Gothique
Composed in 1895, the Toccata from Suite Gothique, Op. 25, is the most recognized and popular of Léon Boëllmann's works. It is a staple of the organ repertoire. Since 1970 when Eric Ball transcribed it for brass band, it has maintained its popularity among brass players.
The Toccata is a true perpetuum mobile exhibiting the remarkable sonorities of the Post-Romantic era. The form displays various capabilities of the French organ - registration (the combination of stops), the Grand Orgue, Positif and Récit manuals, and the pedals - creating energy and excitement.
Couple the organ with a brass band - the result is a greater range of mood and versatility of sound, providing new opportunities both to play and to hear.
This setting's first performance was on 3 July 2017 at St Matthew's United Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, with Wayne Rogers as organist (Minister of Music, St Matthew's) under the baton of David Childs (Associate Conductor, North American Brass Band Summer School).