Calimerio Soares
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Toccata Breve (1980)

The ‘Toccata Breve’ is based on an organ improvisation by the composer. The work is structured in contrasting sections in which some of the timbral possibilities of the instrument are explored in connection with the use of dynamics and sound clusters. In spite of its brevity, the work conveys a concentrated emotional power.

Listen to Martin Stacey performing Toccata Breve on 13th October 2007 at St Marylebone Parish Church

Duration: 5mins
Available from: Ponteio Publishing, New York (both Toccatas ‘Breve’ and ‘Longa’ in one book)
Price: £11.50

Toccata Longa (1992)

The ‘Toccata Longa’ is based on the melodic idea from the first bars of its predecessor, the ‘Toccata Breve’. While the earlier work explores the sonorities of the organ, Toccata Longa focuses on the recourses of the pedal board and the development of ascending and descending melodic progressions throughout its range. Divided into three sections, the piece begins with a pedal solo accompanied by clusters in the manuals. A dialogue between the manuals and the pedals is followed later on by the main idea, which passes onto the manual and becomes an accompaniment for a new pedal solo. A successive chain of chords in alternation with the pedal line takes the section on to its conclusion. The second section is shorter and presents a languid and more lyrical atmosphere. A pedal solo develops small phrases accompanied by arpeggios on the manuals, after which a cadential bridge prepares the beginning of the third section. In the third section, the main melodic idea of the piece returns and is reinforced through fragmented rhythmical proportions. Within a texture of great strength and dynamic range, manuals and pedals come together to create the structural and expressive climax of the piece. A solo pedal cadence leads to the final apotheosis.

Listen to Martin Stacey performing Toccata Longa on 13th October 2007 at St Marylebone Parish Church

Duration: 5mins
Available from: Ponteio Publishing, New York (both Toccatas ‘Breve’ and ‘Longa’ in one book)
Price: £11.50