Toccata (1973)

Karl Schmider (b. 1935) — Toccata (1973) for organ

“Toccata” (1973) was written for organist Michael Felix. Many of Schmider’s works are written employing a harmonic language based upon his own original modes. A few works however, like “Toccata” and “Fantasie” (1979), make use of pitch collections containing all 12 tones, used both quasi-serially and freely. The toccata changes moods quickly between sections of varying energy and character. Overall, there is an alternation between music with lyric motives and more rhythmic ideas.

German composer Karl Schmider (b. 1935) was born in Hausach and educated in Konstanz, Freiburg im Breisgau, and Basel (Switzerland) where he studied composition with the Swiss composer Ernst Pfiffner. Schimder worked as a teacher and church musician in Homberg (1956–63), Laufenburg (1963–75), and Haslach im Kinzigtal (1975–98). As a composer, Schmider wrote in many genres, with a primary focus on sacred choral music. Other works include music for chamber orchestra, chamber ensembles, vocal soloists, and organ.