Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J S Bach - Philip Hii, guitar

144,974 views•Jun 6, 2010

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Konstantin Mitov

Konstantin Mitov

4 years ago

If you have ever tried playing the classical guitar, you'll just know that this performance is out of this world. The technique, the precision, the tempo... Everything is just spot on.

19

Abraham Junaid

Abraham Junaid

4 years ago

This guy is a grand master. Definitely in the top 0.1% of all guitarists in the world.

19

Worbian brownia

Worbian brownia

5 years ago

Someone should find the addresses of those 24 thumbs downers and superglue up the locks on their homes and vehicles

27

Robert Luis Rabello

Robert Luis Rabello

7 years ago

I've been playing the guitar for most of my life, yet I'm speechless . . . This is simply stunning!  Thank you for posting!

3

Richard McManus

Richard McManus

6 years ago

I have wasted so much of my life.

8

Pierre-Louis R.

Pierre-Louis R.

5 years ago

I even couldn't imagine BWV 565 be played on a classic guitar (thinking to organ sound...), but he did it ! It's really awesome !

Here's a sheet music: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8drXawOjAngNWNYZ2pnTUp3WHM&usp=sharing&tid=0B8drXawOjAngdVljQ2hKQXZSTzA

7

Eric Lopez

Eric Lopez

2 years ago

I've been looking for this damn sheet music for a while, thank you so much!!!

Shaun Hopper

Shaun Hopper

6 years ago

You are absolutely one of the BEST classical guitarists I've ever heard!! Your tone is so full and you play with so much heart. I'm simply astounded by your skill. :)

2

Barry Walker

Barry Walker

6 years ago

This is oh SOOOOOO difficult. And I thought I was good in my day.

I now realise how bad I was...

Breathtakingly good...

3

Howard Lichtman

Howard Lichtman

4 years ago

Philip; I purchased a copy of this you published back in 1995.  I understand you have a more recent arrangement.  How can I get a copy?

6

Iliaa Pavliashvili

Iliaa Pavliashvili

1 year ago

I have it

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Yes, I first read about the theory in an article by Peter Williams and I have a solo violin  version by Jaap Schroeder. I think it works great on the guitar. Even the fugue subject is guitaristic. Many thanks and all the best.

barbelfloat

barbelfloat

8 years ago

Extraordinary!  WOW!

3

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Thanks! Yes, it would be nice to do it in a church, maybe one day. I actually have a pretty decent HD camera but didn't know how to use it, hence the graininess. But since then, I've learned to  configure it so my future videos will look a lot better, still nothing professional yet, but no more graininess. If you send me your address, I'll send you a replacement copy of the CD.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Hi Joseph. That's the same way I feel too. Life is about achieving something worthwhile and beautiful and this piece is definitely up there with the rest of life's many other wonderful goals. Good luck to you.

Roberto Toscano

Roberto Toscano

5 months ago

I remember this transcription from an early CD you played on - this is the most insane realization of this work (maybe any BACH organ work) transcribed to the Guitar. You get all the essential details in the piece that most people are forced to edit out because - well - NO ONE ELSE CAN PLAY LIKE THIS!

philiphii

philiphii

10 years ago

@Tyghtrope I started playing it in the early 90's so it's been a few years.

1

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@TheDouglasSeth Yes, it's a conscious decision. For some reason, I've never liked the campanella effect. It lacks punch and power. I prefer a more aggressive sound especially in scales. I've written about my approach to transcription in my AOV for guitar. I'll extract the chapter and send it to you. Many thanks for the comment.

stringchild1

stringchild1

5 years ago

Awesome! I can see and hear the tonality is actually A minor which really is best for guitar. You really fit it all in there really well and the technique required is truly outstanding. What a monsterpiece. You sir are a virtuoso indeed. Bravo!!!!

4

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Would love to but most of it doesn't work for solo gtr. I have arranged the first movement of Spring, but I'm not happy with it, had to change too much to get it to work.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Yes, there're a few minor differences. You can probably find out what they are by looking at the video. If you're still in contact with Tom, please say hi to him for me. ATB

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

The Bach is available from GSP Guitar. I'll try to get the Chopin published soon, too many other projects got in the way these past few years. Thanks.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Glad to hear you're thinking of learning classical guitar. It's good to know other styles and classical guitar is really a lot of fun. Thanks for listening.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@BLR1GBattlemaster I agree the Ruck is a great guitar, fantastic basses, sounds like a Steinway in the low end. The Savino is nice too, it has a great high end, that's why I used it for the Chopin too. One day, I'll re-record the Bach on the Ruck and with better equipment too. It was recorded on 2 cheap mics and an old DAT recorder.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Those are actually scale fragments repeated. Yes I play them rest-strokes a-m-i. To do rest-strokes, I flatten my hand a little and play as if I'm doing free strokes, very lightly, using my fingertips to produce the power.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@dustinjonesguitarist Yes, a lot of a,m,i fingerings. No particular pattern too, anything that work. I model them after piano fingerings.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@dipdive The rest of the house was a mess so had to sit in front of that fireplace. Thanks for checking it out.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@InfintityRecordings I don't have any tabs myself but you may be able to find them online. I know Acoustic Guitar has the Toccata in tabs.

philiphii

philiphii

10 years ago

@rednebb No, it's not 100% like the original which would be hard, if not impossible with just six strings. What I did was try to imagine what Bach might have done if he had written it for the lute or the solo violin and come up with my own interpretation. The arrangement is published by gspguitar.

I checked out your electric version, and you’re pretty amazing yourself! I liked it very much.

John Volt

John Volt

7 years ago

This is the poster video of human achievement.  My God.

2

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

The sheet music is available from gspguitardotcom. All the best.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@greenrange I try not to think about it. I think it was Bruce Lee who said, thinking is the greatest impediment to self expression. So I try to feel it. Getting to that point where I can hear the strumming and the heart beats -- this is a tough one. I think I need more than 500 characters.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

I have thought about it. There're a few that'll work great on the guitar, and I did a few more transcriptions from the 48 which I haven't recorded yet. Thanks for listening.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@greenrange Thanks, glad you liked the concert! What do I like most about the guitar? The energy, the fire, the sensual beauty, all in one package -- you won't find that in many instruments.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@jlgeorge Hi Jeff, great to hear from you! Doing okay here, hope the same for you! Would love to come to LA again. Just let me know when and I'll hop into my car right away!

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

I arranged it myself. It's been published by GSPguitar in SF since then. All the best.

tavis macdonald

tavis macdonald

2 years ago

What a great representation of bach on the guitar. Just amazing. Imagine writing that. Everything so worked out. Even when inverted theyre worked out to be so perfect. The use of diminished chords. Just. I dont know. Just perfect. That song is perfect. Couldnt be a more musically free and eye opening to his soul , piece of music. In my opinion. God bless brother

tavis macdonald

tavis macdonald

1 year ago

You know theres this unusual thing about when i learn a song or solo. Once i know it , it takes some of the power away. Its like oh,  Thats it, thats how he pulled it off and onto the next one. Im about 6 mins into learning this on acoustic guitar with hybrid picking , so im still picking for the runs. Its challenging and i dont think anyone else has done that. Every single part,  Every part,  Is so beautiful slowed down , so eye opening and awe inspiring that i dont get sick of any part ,Infact they grow on me more and more and when slowed down you can really hear the relationship between the notes and the  long and colorful way he continuously went through diminished,  augmented,  minor, major ect to semi cadence and then another idea. Absolutely the most impressive work ive ever heard. Once again this philip guy , nails it. Im gonna put one out in the next couple months of the same version in A minor but hybrid picked and acoustic. See what happens lol

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@BLR1GBattlemaster Yes, I play a Ruck these days and it's a cedar top. I still play my old Savino but the Ruck has a deeper and richer sound.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Thanks again. I've looked at those too. It's quite a project but I'll look at them again, esp since I'm assured one sale.

Mat Fiz

Mat Fiz

8 years ago

Amazing...

I have a question to You, Mr. Hii: Where could i get/buy your sheet music?

I am specially interested in Your guitar version of Nocturne for piano No. 15 in F minor, Op. 55/1... It is just one of the greatest pieces ever composed and when played on guitar... well i ve no words for how great is that ;)

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@peterjordan16910 Hi Peter, actually, no booking agent. Had one years ago and didn't work out, so I guess I'll have to fire myself for doing such a bad job!

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks, Pablo. I'll try to get those Chopin scores out. It's a case of too much work and too little time.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Tim! Great to hear from you! I will always remember our lessons. I'm doing great, hope you are too. Stay in touch!

Treble Bass

Treble Bass

5 years ago

I've been watchin this for some time now, I am so glad you posted it, and so glad I found it on here. Wow! What an incredible performance, I am in awe. You are literally "The Master". Hat's off to you Sir, such tecqnique! I really, really appreciate this.

3

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

Thanks to all for dropping by and for the comments. ATB

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

The score is available from gspguitar, but you might be able to find it online.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@ivanclassicalguitar The guitar in the video is a 2002 Robert Ruck. I also play a Chris Savino. ATB

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thank you. Yes, sound is not very good, just the onboard mic on the camera. One day, I'll redo this again professionally.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@cualquie Not sure whether this is good or bad, but I'll take it as a compliment. Thanks for watching. ATB.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Hi Chris, thanks, I like that flying V guitar..

Jarrod S

Jarrod S

7 years ago

Thank you for reminding me what a beautiful instrument the guitar is. You've really mastered picking in different locations on the body of the guitar to get different sounds, closer to the bridge for those darker colors. I think it was Segovia who said that the guitar is the only instrument that can sound like an entire orchestra, or something to that effect. Your performance here exemplifies that. I need to find a transcription of this now.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Many thanks. Malmsteen and Vai, that's quite a compliment!

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@kevinlivecomau Thanks, I believe there're midi files and tabs floating around out there. Alternatively you can also get the printed score from GSPguitar.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Many thanks! Yes, it's been a few years since that CD was released... ATB

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Hi Lazaro, good to see you the other day. ATB.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

More like years, two to be precise. Thanks for listening.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Just a few years but it's worth it. Thanks for listening.

Pablo Sanchez

Pablo Sanchez

7 years ago

Great performance! I've heard your versions of Chopin's Nocturnes too. I was wondering if there's any edition avaible of those scores. I will love to play them. Thanks for sharing your music!

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Thanks. Yes, I still play the Chromatic Fantasy. Hopefully I'll have a video of it soon. ATB

philiphii

philiphii

10 years ago

@houstonbiker Hi John, Great to hear from you! Glad you find the AOV useful.

Chris Delany

Chris Delany

7 years ago

Your playing is amazing! I remember a couple years back I attended/played the masterclass you held at San Jacinto South Campus.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

You can probably find it somewhere online. ATB.

Wayne Joe

Wayne Joe

5 years ago

One the rare real version on youtube of this song played by a guitar: BEAUTIFUL

Wes Haddock

Wes Haddock

7 years ago

I'd love to see you do Vivaldi's four season on guitar.

philiphii

philiphii

6 years ago

Thanks for listening, Konstantin. All the best.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Good luck on your classical guitar.

Ketil Strand

Ketil Strand

10 years ago

Amazing!  I've made a version of this myself on electric (synth) guitar, but I had to split it in two parts on the fugue, becuase I saw it virtually impossible to do it all in one guitar part.  But  you're actually doing that (although I guess it's not 100% like the original at all times), I'm very impressed!  Is this your own arrangement, or is this an existing classical guitar arrangement, and where can I get it (if possible)..?

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@DaNorthernLight Actually it was organ sheet music. Thanks for listening. Glad you liked it.

FrothingFanboy

FrothingFanboy

8 years ago

Boy, did I enjoy your performance!  Tk you so much.  This is the first time I've ever heard this famous organ work played on guitar.  I never see it on guitar recordings of Bach works.  It seems that the violin partitas, cello suites, lute suites, etc., go quite amiably on the guitar.  But in spite of its beauty and your virtuosity, it doesn't quite "work" to the same extent.  However, that's just my own personal taste.  Congrats in any case.  You've made me happy by recording this for youtube!

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@Prin79 I didn't learn it from tab but I'm sure you can find it online. ATB.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks for listening, Bashir. All the best.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Vielen dank! Alles beste.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

No, but sounds like an interesting technique.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@luisricardo00 Many thanks, glad you liked it. All the best.

graph15

graph15

1 year ago

Wow,thank you! Greetings from Birkenhead England 😊

1

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thank you, Lianto. My best regards to you too.

Bocbo

Bocbo

7 years ago

Since the first time I heard this piece on pipe organ thirty + years ago I have imagined hearing it on guitar. Thank you for making a dream come true.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@Isabelizza Thanks for that vote of confidence. ATB

Alex Raigosa

Alex Raigosa

10 years ago

Impressive performance, a very special and beautiful touch to this masterpiece of Bach, thanks for giving us the thrill of hearing it on the Strings of Your Wonderful guitar as well as the feeling that comes from within your soul.

mloftin

mloftin

7 years ago

Mr. Hii, I just wanted to tell you that I'm still enjoying your recording of this nearly 15 years after I bought it. The emotion in your playing really comes through. Thanks again for sharing this with us mere mortals. :)

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@BLR1GBattlemaster Thanks, would love to come to Monterrey. One day perhaps.

favoritemusicon

favoritemusicon

4 months ago

The magnificence and greatness of  both the composer and the performer/guitarists of this master piece gives me great hope in humanity.

Philou Mars

Philou Mars

1 week ago

The quality of your technic deserves a much better recording and video.

Congratulations.

Philippe De France

KB S

KB S

7 years ago

one of my all time favourites....thanks for making me feel good....thanks to information technology , thanks to you who played it so beautifully..I am learning classical musice these days too...but dont know if i can ever reach this stage even close to this....i doubt....

Petrosmalk

Petrosmalk

7 years ago

Amazing! It was the best interpretarion of this music played on a guitar I have ever seen. Sorry for bad English.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks for listening. And thanks to information technology.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@tammas789 Thanks. That's a good question, why I don't play concerts worldwide, I'll have to ask my booking agent.

punchy001

punchy001

7 years ago

i almost came when i heard this.... toccatta and fugue on the guitar!!!

massiveDestruction

massiveDestruction

7 years ago

One of the best interpretations I have seen of this piece for guitar, well done!

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@92djwalsh Hey Daniel, stop surfing and start practicing!

Nero Oren

Nero Oren

6 years ago

I need to play this! Do you have the music sheet of this song?

B.Ross.FlowStyle

B.Ross.FlowStyle

5 years ago

Hold on... let me try to pick my jaw up off the floor. I'm sure this is the best guitar rendition of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor I've heard in my life. Your skill would have to be measured by magnitude! Absolutely brilliant.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks, Vladimir.

Jacob Trujillo

Jacob Trujillo

9 years ago

jeeze thats so crazy i bearly i got into the fugue part and im so struggling on it haha i give you props man

Lazarus Gray

Lazarus Gray

9 months ago

Hi Philip. I bought this manuscript about 5 years ago, and have pretty much hacked away at it ever since. Sometimes I just have to come back to remind myself how it's done. Thanks for many, many sweet, frustrating hours of pleasure. (no, I can't play it this well, but I can play it now. Those middle bits though... woof.)

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@nirolevy96 Most of it is illusion. Thanks for checking it out.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks, Petrus. All the best.

Tim Fowler

Tim Fowler

7 years ago

Bravo!!!    Great to see this Philip!  My right hand technique and approach was forever changed(for the better!) by you!   hope you are doing great!

Cody Boyd

Cody Boyd

7 years ago

I love it. I have been playing blues and blues rock guitar for some time now, but am thinking of attempting to learn classical. I love the right hand technique, that is an amazing thing to train yourself to play such beauty. I can't imagine in what kind of hate the people who disliked this piece were engulfed.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@GreekFire25 Thanks, emotion and substance -- those two words mean a lot to me. All the best.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thank you.

philiphii

philiphii

6 years ago

The CD is released by GSP guitar. Please check it out on their website. Thanks for watching.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Gracias, Sr. Abella.

basha 2:D

basha 2:D

9 years ago

wow that was some amazing piece u remind me of the indonesian guy that did a cover of that too :D anyways u learned it of a oragan sheet...is there anyway u can send me tabs ?thank you

I DO WHAT I WANT

I DO WHAT I WANT

9 years ago

philip is more than amazing , you live every moment and the pictures in your mind are beautiful

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Muchas gracias!

Jon Prosise

Jon Prosise

6 years ago

You are an awesome classical guitar player!

2

Calluth

Calluth

7 years ago

Oh, okay ;) I was curious because of the speed, I think the technique with the thumb- up-, and downstroke comes from virtuose bass players, but I'm not sure.

вася пушкин

вася пушкин

6 years ago

офигительно

1

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks for listening.

Carlos Matos

Carlos Matos

7 years ago

Muito obrigado por 8 minutos de puro prazer! F@cking awasome! Congrats...

TheRagerock

TheRagerock

8 years ago

the best guitar version that i never see, amazing

Mario Radović

Mario Radović

8 months ago

This is top, no one can play like this (Bach on guitar).Best regardsMario

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thank you, Ali. I saw your video. You did a great job! All the best.

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks, Jean-Baptiste. All the best.

Treble Bass

Treble Bass

5 years ago

Yeah!!!!!

That is  a really nice version, hands down. And in my opinion a great treatment of it on the Guitar. Just about flawless if not so.

Also, I really love the way the harmonies stand out differently on guitar. To me, even though I like the organ version, it can be a little muddy sometimes, and or maybe too thick tonaly for me.

I say the orchestral Stokowski version with Conductor of your choice, because the many voices help bring out some nuances.

However, this is one of my favorite versions ever.

Masterful, artistic and clean.

Thank you so much.

Smurf Genocide

Smurf Genocide

5 years ago

I believe that book on the music stand is "Johann Sebastian Bach: Easy Tab for guitar."

1

Brendan Dwyer

Brendan Dwyer

7 years ago

This is outstanding! I am beginning classical guitar this week. I've been playing electric for years. This seems much harder

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@barbelfloat Many thanks. ATB.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

Hey thanks...

Tran Duc Tai

Tran Duc Tai

6 years ago

I had your Bach CD a long time ago but it's the first time I saw you playing the BWV 565 on video! Perfectly played! Bravo! I wish you post some videos of your Chopin's Nocturnes! Thank you for the music!

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@heyhellosalutation Many thanks.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@cualquie Thank you most kindly. ATB

Maker _

Maker _

6 years ago

This is absolutely amazing. How do you memorize something like this?

cualquie

cualquie

8 years ago

@philiphii

I wanted to say: It's a magnificent performance

dipdive

dipdive

8 years ago

You just bust that out sitting around in front of the fireplace, huh?!? I was playing along, but you lost me on the last couple of measures :))

Seriously, I enjoy the passion you show when playing...it's the passion that gets someone to your level in the first place!

Amazing performance!!

Jake Kruse

Jake Kruse

7 years ago

Absolutely incredible, thanks for the amazing arrangement!

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

Thanks, Martina.

Barry Walker

Barry Walker

4 years ago

On nylon strings too! WOW! Phew, and I thought I was good in my day, this makes me look less than a mere amateur. <big thumbs up>

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@paultreselli Many thanks! All the best.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@kipupking It's been a while, since the early 90s.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@naivhoerenundsehen Thanks for checking it out.

Sean Gibson

Sean Gibson

5 years ago

That even made Bach himself shit his pants! AMAZING!!!!

11

Sasha Ahuja

Sasha Ahuja

9 years ago

That was a jaw dropping performance!! thank you. Just bought your AOV book and have been through arounf 40 pages. Thansk you again!!

Bolivian_Killer

Bolivian_Killer

7 years ago

exelente interpretacion .Genial amigo philiphi.

Fernando RAMIREZ CAFERACLA

Fernando RAMIREZ CAFERACLA

5 years ago

Congratulations master! I'll very much wish to play that arrangement, would you be kind enough to send me the music sheet? my email is caferacla2@gmail.com.

Hugs

Adriana Coppola

Adriana Coppola

6 years ago

one of the best executions I ever heard :-)

Badboyifier

Badboyifier

9 years ago

my master:D how long have u been playing this song?

ryancaryn0209

ryancaryn0209

9 years ago

I bought your cd a few years ago and I was completely in awe of your arrangement and abilities. I can remember falling in love with this piece as a kid watching Fantasia. I have played classical guitar for many years and to hear one of my favorite pieces on the guitar of course made me ecstatic. I also purchased your arrangement, but have to admit that it will be sometime before I'm on par with you to tackle it. You are simply amazing!

Ketil Strand

Ketil Strand

10 years ago

@philiphii Ok, cool, I might buy your arrangement from gspguitar then.  I see you have done other Bach arrangements, too.    And thanks, I'm glad to hear you liked my  version too!

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@MordekainenX Thank you.

naivhoerenundsehen

naivhoerenundsehen

9 years ago

Bravo! You show the true beauty of Bachs visions  in music. What a joy seeing you play all these melodies.

thanks for the upload

Vladimir Shein

Vladimir Shein

7 years ago

Incredible performance and arrangement! Thanks!

Ricardo Cortés

Ricardo Cortés

9 years ago

you are a true master, watching this video was so inspiring!

ironpyrites

ironpyrites

5 years ago

Bravo! Superb. I clicked on this because I wanted to compare the sound of the guitar to the sound of the Chapman Stick playing the same piece and it confirmed to me that the sound of the stick is lacking something. I think it offers the player less room for dynamic expression in how it is played although to be sure it offers greater possibilities for harmonization and self accompaniment. I can't listen to too much music on the Stick. There is a sameness about too many of the notes played. Anyway, thanks for a wonderfully played piece.

philiphii

philiphii

9 years ago

@LFWOL Many thanks for checking out the video.

john kiefer

john kiefer

10 years ago

incredible execution and great decisions

i (and several students) are studying your art of virtuosity e book

Alberto Abella

Alberto Abella

7 years ago

Excelente interpretación. Mis mas sinceras felicitaciones.

:-) n

:-) n

10 years ago

Good grief!  That was absolutely fantastic. Bravo!

Mark Cruz

Mark Cruz

10 years ago

Bravo Philip! An excellent performance and I might add, a definitive transcription!

Nuts

Nuts

8 years ago

Beats the shit out of the poor tapping version.

.The best I heard on this piece

kevinlivecomau

kevinlivecomau

8 years ago

Great piece. Can you tell me how I can get my hands on your score or tabs?

jfdomega

jfdomega

9 months ago

On another level!!!

Paul West

Paul West

8 years ago

Philip, have you thought of transcribing any other Bach organ fugues? Amazing playing!

GoodSense

GoodSense

8 years ago

Holy shit! that's AMAZING!

Emerald Lance

Emerald Lance

9 years ago

My favorite part of this piece is how faithful to the original work it is. It's so difficult to find anybody playing it on guitar without making parts of it up as they go.

Inglis Academy

Inglis Academy

10 years ago

Truly an inspiration! There is so much music in that piece, and to bring it all out on the guitar is a monumental feat!

FreeAndEffed

FreeAndEffed

7 years ago

This is ridiculously well done. I've been loving this song since I was a child and recently I wondered whether it could be played well on a guitar. I imagined it to be very complicated. And here I am, looking at this and realizing: Well, I'd have to train for years to achieve this level.

philiphii

philiphii

8 years ago

@YANOIZO2009 I didn't use tabs but I'm sure you can find it online.

ToXiC

ToXiC

3 years ago

great I just love it :) Bach is hard to play cos he needs, beside of technique, much heart to play and in you he found one who has both of it. Never heard this piece so beautifully played and even on guitar! Amazing work! Thank you for sharing it!

1

Paul Beykirch

Paul Beykirch

8 years ago

fugue voices are crisp and delineated...great job!

MetalizedCoke

MetalizedCoke

7 years ago

Thank you for the swift reply. I will save so I can purchase it. Enjoy the weekend!

Juliencorse9

Juliencorse9

5 years ago

Un vrai phénomène une interprétation magistrale bravoooo

1

Emilio Díaz

Emilio Díaz

7 years ago

maravilloso, impecableee....

Byron Harrell

Byron Harrell

5 years ago

and mostly eyes closed!!!!!!!!! meaning he felt this!!! awesome

Mat Fiz

Mat Fiz

8 years ago

I understand, thanks for Your answer, All the best ;)

brangreen85

brangreen85

8 years ago

BRAVO!!

Fiddlesniffs

Fiddlesniffs

9 years ago

:D awesome

Hi Rock

Hi Rock

5 years ago

Unbelievable!!!!!

You have a amazing memory and amazing hands!!!!

MusikalGod

MusikalGod

10 years ago

great. hands down amazing....nice feel too

Douglas Seth

Douglas Seth

8 years ago

I have found this video and your Bach CD quite inspirational.  About your approach to transcribing Bach, I have noticed you don't use much campanela texture.  Was this a conscious decision in the transcription/interpretive process?  How would you describe your approach/process of transcription?  Thank you for sharing these great videos!

Respectfully,

DS

cookingprof

cookingprof

5 years ago

One word...WOW !!!

This performance blew my mind.

Carlos Labate

Carlos Labate

6 years ago

Increíblemente perfecto

Douglas Seth

Douglas Seth

8 years ago

@philiphii

Thank you, I would be very interested in reading it!

Sergio

Sergio

7 years ago

Amazing!

Klicethereal

Klicethereal

10 years ago

Thank you for the transcription !

steve roslund

steve roslund

1 year ago

wow that was great guitar playing!

pablohoney086

pablohoney086

6 years ago

How I wish it was in HD, vraiment magnifique, muchas gracias maestro

Gavin Baumanis

Gavin Baumanis

7 years ago

Hi Phillip - Awesome work. Congratulations!

Daniel Avelino

Daniel Avelino

5 years ago

I have his CD and I always hear it, but watching him playing there is no words. Man you really need to come to Brazil! We need to see you playing your album live!

David Mendoza

David Mendoza

10 years ago

IMPRESIONANTE !!!

Tyghtrope

Tyghtrope

10 years ago

Excellent work! How long did it take you to be able to perform the piece at this level?

Byron Harrell

Byron Harrell

5 years ago

Im crying!!! this is gorgeous!!

Philippe Yamagata

Philippe Yamagata

4 years ago

Aweome rendition!

Will buy your book soon, your work  speaks for itsel :)

Diogo Barreto

Diogo Barreto

4 years ago

WOW! Amazing!

Wdowa94

Wdowa94

5 years ago

Some say that it's impressive... It IZZZ

Brian Mitchell

Brian Mitchell

5 years ago

Fantastic performance!! very impressed you use no sheet music, it must have taken you a while to memorise as well as you have. bravo my friend.

1

Thomas Ling

Thomas Ling

4 years ago

Brilliant mate! Proud of you sir!

miggychan

miggychan

7 years ago

You played this piece flawlessly, bravo good sir.

TheMisterMudkip

TheMisterMudkip

5 years ago

In deep respect,. I tip my hat to you sir!

Joseph Grochowski

Joseph Grochowski

11 months ago

Good playing way too fast no tempo

OTIStheREALcarlos

OTIStheREALcarlos

3 years ago

You are Amazing!!!!  The way you took on this piece and play it, YOU are bigger than the piece! Bach would have been amazed! Thank you for your dedication.

IndiaRubber Man

IndiaRubber Man

5 years ago

INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! why is this man not famous????? Imagine this piece away from the poor acoustics on a stage or in a church - oh my......

4

alekos pagonis

alekos pagonis

7 years ago

excellent work! please could you say me where can i find the scor?

Calluth

Calluth

7 years ago

One question: are you the fast (bass)-notes playing up- AND downstrokes with your thumb?

Sebastián Piedra

Sebastián Piedra

9 years ago

I would very much like to know from which transcription your performing this on. Or if you transcribed it yourself would you happen to have a copy? $

Carlos Bedoya

Carlos Bedoya

8 years ago

Hello Mr. Hii, you are awesome!,

can you please give me the partitures?

Jesus Hilario Hernandez

Jesus Hilario Hernandez

3 years ago

Awesome job professor. Great recording too. Hope things are well. :)

HillaryHitler

HillaryHitler

10 years ago

This man has a very strong discipline!

Notice how much like Sharon Isbin he keeps his eyes closed.

Very FOCUSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lianto Tjahjoputro

Lianto Tjahjoputro

7 years ago

You are really great Maestro.....your transcription absolutely fantastic.....Many people ask about this transcription in my channel. i always ask him to contact your website

Much love

Lianto Tjahjoputro

codonauta

codonauta

9 years ago

The best Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J S Bach adapted and played in the guitar i ever watched. A great work, really. Philip, a shame for me, but I didn´t you until some minutes, when I found the article written by you in web, "Bach's Method of Transcription" - that is really interesting who likes to study J S Bach's matters.

didccss

didccss

4 years ago

Gracias.

Thanks.

drainlifex

drainlifex

5 years ago

Just awesome sensei!

drainlifex

drainlifex

5 years ago

Just awesome sensei!

nirolevy96

nirolevy96

8 years ago

hes playing three voices!!!!!

bloogrox

bloogrox

5 years ago

bravo!

flabens

flabens

2 years ago

Master of classic guitar.

juancarlos8228

juancarlos8228

6 years ago

Holly shit I could watch this all day beautifull what amaizing talent

Teo K

Teo K

6 years ago

Beautiful.

Gildardo Pareja

Gildardo Pareja

6 years ago

that was really really good

Aron Carvajal

Aron Carvajal

2 years ago

Maestro! Saludos

Paul West

Paul West

8 years ago

The complete 2 and 3-part Inventions and Sinfonias performed on guitar by Philip Hii would be a very nice treat I think ;) I'd purchase that CD in a heartbeat!

Hong Tee - Classical Guitarist

Hong Tee - Classical Guitarist

10 years ago

Hi Philip, nice to hear you on youtube. like this very much, more video please, haha..

Gary Ormond

Gary Ormond

5 years ago

Very impressive indeed!

Wolfmoss

Wolfmoss

6 years ago

beautiful!

1

leeD S

leeD S

4 years ago

amazing

Silver BlogSurfer

Silver BlogSurfer

4 years ago

M a g n i f i c o !!!!

dissonantoblivion

dissonantoblivion

6 years ago

How glorious!

rakubx X

rakubx X

9 months ago

Bravo !

Daniel Martí

Daniel Martí

4 years ago

Wonderful interpretration.

Lawrence Hiun

Lawrence Hiun

5 years ago

wow, I saw Philip Hii played live this piece in  a guitar recital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in 2011 and blow my mind away. It sounded better than original organ music.

Surgy 10

Surgy 10

1 year ago

ammmmaazzziiiing

philiphii

philiphii

7 years ago

??

Prin79

Prin79

8 years ago

Could you tell me please where did you get the tab? =)

Hendarin Riandi

Hendarin Riandi

1 year ago

Never heard of this guy, but he played this toccata and fugue by Bach which must be very difficult for classical guitar, almost flawlessly  ...... really enjoy this 👍👍👍

1

N B

N B

5 years ago

Excellent rendition, sir !

Enrico S

Enrico S

2 years ago

This never gets old Philip!

Jesus de la Villa

Jesus de la Villa

6 years ago

the universe taking a walk. what the hell!!!!

Randal Naranjo

Randal Naranjo

6 years ago

Love it.  It never gets old.

Joseph Cabaniss

Joseph Cabaniss

8 years ago

I've only been playing guitar for about a year, and I feel pretty strongly that if I can play this interpretation with the same consistency and tempo that you do, I will have lived a full life indeed. It's hard to imagine this piece as anything less than a real achievement in life, however shortsighted my view may be. Inspiring.

fikry hirang

fikry hirang

5 years ago

woooowwww.....

yoavi11111

yoavi11111

7 years ago

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YANOIZO2009

YANOIZO2009

8 years ago

Tabs pLz

Nate

Nate

3 years ago

my goodness....your right hand picking is so fluid it's scary.

Anonosus Rex

Anonosus Rex

8 years ago

Wonderful. Thank you.  Do you still play Chromatic Fantasy?

Jesus de la Villa

Jesus de la Villa

1 month ago

36 thumbs down, what is good 4 u , i am scare

nickrella

nickrella

10 years ago

WOW

Ali Jadbabaie

Ali Jadbabaie

7 years ago

Hi Philip, I made an attempt at recording this and added it as a video response

It still needs some work, but wanted to congratulate you on a  phenomenal transcription.If WIlliams' 1981 theory is right, and this was originally  a (now lost) violin or fugue piece, I bet that it  would be similar to what you have transcribed.

TheApostleofRock

TheApostleofRock

5 years ago

WOW......I literally have no other words

litoboy5

litoboy5

4 years ago

great !!!

ΝΙΚΟΣ ΑΝΔΡΙΤΣΟΣ

ΝΙΚΟΣ ΑΝΔΡΙΤΣΟΣ

2 years ago

bravo!

cualquie

cualquie

8 years ago

God!

Endre Vigeland

Endre Vigeland

4 years ago

GREAT ART

bicaslopes

bicaslopes

5 years ago

Holy shit man thats way too much awesomeness for only one person xD

Carl Seiler

Carl Seiler

4 years ago

Went to the shelf to find my mid90s CD of this and could not find it. So sad. I love that I found this video.

ValentynGaillaard

ValentynGaillaard

6 years ago

Magnifique

Jon Sher

Jon Sher

2 years ago

The playing is magnificent. I am positive that JS Bach would approve.

Ivan Scafati

Ivan Scafati

9 years ago

what kind of guitar do you play maestro?

(who is the maker/luthier)

Kevin Sutanto

Kevin Sutanto

5 years ago

how can you do that? you got any tabs or something???

Minor Grace Project

Minor Grace Project

5 years ago

awesome....

Jaewon Chang

Jaewon Chang

6 years ago

This is great masterpiece. Why don't you record it more professionally, Like in studio?

macleod41069

macleod41069

7 years ago

Fantastic , what an achievement .

oddfellowfloyd

oddfellowfloyd

8 years ago

I've not seen fingers fly like that except on Yngwie Malmsteen, or Steve Vai.  :P  You are an incredible guitarist, good sir!!  I've always wanted to see a piece like that on guitar, and your arrangement is astounding and passionate, as well as technically awe-inspiring.  :)

justinvdavid

justinvdavid

8 years ago

Where did you get the sheet music for this?

moppettshow

moppettshow

6 years ago

Top banana!

senssuiy

senssuiy

6 years ago

toppppppp

Howard Lichtman

Howard Lichtman

6 years ago

I sheet music available for this arrangement?

Romeishome

Romeishome

6 years ago

Just...Wow.

Marius B

Marius B

3 years ago

Very impressive

1

Jon Nichols

Jon Nichols

9 years ago

@philiphii Your booking agent should be fired.  Get a new one.  One that will get you worldwide :) !!

dustinjonesguitarist

dustinjonesguitarist

9 years ago

A former student of yours, Gabe Ayala, told me that you use a lot of a, m, i combinations in your scales. True?

Álvaro Luiz

Álvaro Luiz

7 years ago

you provide the sheet music?

Anghel Herrera

Anghel Herrera

1 year ago

Excelente

Hi

Hi

6 years ago

Awesome.

Wes Haddock

Wes Haddock

7 years ago

Naw not how your playing it mang

Mark Fishbein

Mark Fishbein

3 years ago

This wonderful player Hi and a few others players of Bach, like E. Fernandez, have clearly redefined the possible for the guitar. How lucky we are to have this gift to experience such perfection, control and intellect.

KalikoB

KalikoB

6 years ago

outstanding

Danny Walsh

Danny Walsh

8 years ago

my teacher is a badass!!!!!!

pipotherium

pipotherium

10 years ago

Very nice playing !

Wilson Cordoba

Wilson Cordoba

9 years ago

Impossible to comment on such a display and precision, the best transcription of any work performed by JS Bach, fully respecting the original. Hii is a Paganini of the guitar

Nailuj Producciones

Nailuj Producciones

6 years ago

Do you have the sheet???

ちゃんTama

ちゃんTama

1 year ago

この曲をギターで弾くとは、びっくり。

Lianto Tjahjoputro

Lianto Tjahjoputro

10 years ago

Thanks for your transcription Toccata Fuga.... So i only play without  thinking transcription from orgel

Jordan Vondarken

Jordan Vondarken

5 years ago

3:30 just feelin it soooooooooo hard, but cereal tho this guy kills it

Christoffer Hedman

Christoffer Hedman

4 years ago

if you can play this on a guitar... you can play anything on a guitar. he is master... jedi master even.

luisricardo00

luisricardo00

8 years ago

BRAVO. Excellent performance. THIS VERSION OF THE MINOR BELIEVE THAT IS BEST FOR THE GUITAR. CONGRATULATIONS

Omega Weapon

Omega Weapon

5 years ago

unreal

Johnny Gödel

Johnny Gödel

3 years ago

Fantastic.

johann sebastian Cardenas

johann sebastian Cardenas

6 years ago

Tabs XD?

f3ryan

f3ryan

9 years ago

Unbelievable performance. You are a true virtuoso.

Tim Barrett

Tim Barrett

6 years ago

Fantastic.

Peter Minkley

Peter Minkley

2 years ago

outstanding

Bashir Wahid

Bashir Wahid

7 years ago

Fantastic arrangement Mr. Philip and very well done. A real masterpiece. I love it! Thanks.

Jarrod S

Jarrod S

7 years ago

For those quick arpeggio-esque lines starting at 0:27, are you using rest strokes? How many fingers do you use? It looks like you're picking one string with your index, middle, as well as your ring finger. I'm not a classically trained guitarist so I'm not too familiar with rest strokes. I would appreciate some advice!

Axel54films

Axel54films

6 years ago

Jesus Christ. That was awesome!

Алексей Воронцов

Алексей Воронцов

9 years ago

O_o

ZazaGilberesh

ZazaGilberesh

8 years ago

not sure if should inspire me or make me never want to pick up my guitar again

xander sabino

xander sabino

6 years ago

wow

Victor Tarabola Cortiano

Victor Tarabola Cortiano

2 years ago

superb

Andrew Bazan

Andrew Bazan

6 years ago

I've listened to this at least six times in a row now and I don't feel like stopping anytime soon!

Michael Thames

Michael Thames

7 years ago

Very impressive Philip! Quite an accomplishment!

wrkowl

wrkowl

8 years ago

Pleas post some of your Chopin pieces....

Eric Stuart Becker

Eric Stuart Becker

6 years ago

Impecable.

MetalizedCoke

MetalizedCoke

7 years ago

Is there any chance on sharing the music sheet or at least making it available for purchase? I've been looking for it, but most versions are made for either string quartets or organs. Which makes sense, actually...

GreekFire25

GreekFire25

8 years ago

Looking on youtube and I see all of this guys playing only bits and pieces of the intro on electric guitars with distortion. I appreciate the fact that they pay homage to Bach, but there are only a few people on youtube who can play this entire piece on guitar solo, one of which is you. You did a great job in not only performing this piece, but putting emotion and substance into the music through just a simple spanish guitar. Respect.

Rodrigo Navarro

Rodrigo Navarro

6 years ago

FABULOSO!!!

Iván Caballero Cano

Iván Caballero Cano

7 years ago

Fantastic!

Wes Haddock

Wes Haddock

7 years ago

i hope to god this transcript is free

Olaf Klingebiel

Olaf Klingebiel

5 years ago

Ganz große Kunst!

mrtyles

mrtyles

3 years ago

Segovia would be proud.   kudos

EeyoreTiggerPooh2

EeyoreTiggerPooh2

8 years ago

Hi Philip, I once had your Bach CD but now only have the case - the CD vanished! So I was very pleased to find this video and you play the piece even better now. Just one problem; The location and lighting doesn't do you justice. I think it deserves a better setting. Perhaps a church or somewhere with a nice acoustic.

xavier oudin

xavier oudin

5 years ago

!!!

EeyoreTiggerPooh2

EeyoreTiggerPooh2

8 years ago

That's a very kind offer, but I wouldn't want to trouble you. I will wait until you release a new Bach CD or re-record 'New transcriptions' - not sure what you would call it now though!

kikkom4n

kikkom4n

7 years ago

lol then you should look up kazuhito yamashita or paco de lucia.  you will see some incredible speed and cleanliness

no insulting this guy though; he definitely has quite the picado

Lazaro Camarillo

Lazaro Camarillo

7 years ago

Awesome Job

Ma. Kristina Lobrin

Ma. Kristina Lobrin

7 years ago

Jjmjq

huu hieu Phan

huu hieu Phan

7 years ago

PLAY VERY GOOD , I THINK THE AUDIO RECORD NOT GOOD.

boobtuber06

boobtuber06

7 years ago

Can you put a real complicated Chopin piece on there? Like, say, The "Black Keys" Etude???

س فید

س فید

4 years ago

خوش بحالت مرد بزرگ

Jared Peterson

Jared Peterson

9 years ago

Phil.  You are the man.  Your nocturne rendition is spot on.  Cheers.  You're making a metal guitarist go back to the basement and practice.

ace88bf

ace88bf

7 years ago

world class technique. the experience you have is blatantly obvious

Jean-Baptiste Kefalas

Jean-Baptiste Kefalas

7 years ago

Very nice, and made with....humility... Nce to see how you recycled Bach.

Rob Ainsley

Rob Ainsley

8 years ago

Fantastic stuff - no doubt you're familiar with the theories that BWV565 was written for violin originally (UK BBC Radio 3 has broadcast a reconstruction of a possible violin original). Your excellent transcription makes the piece sound surprisingly guitaristic for an 'organ piece', supporting that theory. Many thanks for recording it and putting it up. Much appreciated!

Jaewon Chang

Jaewon Chang

7 years ago

I'm just curious... how can take high notes like... the notes that finger board inside of guitar so fast?... ugh... english... anyway I guess everybody understood well. is there special way? or He is just really good? or I'm just low level? or just my guitar is bad...

Ermilo gutierrez del bosque

Ermilo gutierrez del bosque

6 years ago

El amigo que compuso la canción no tiene madre, pero este cuate que la toca tampoco, felicidades Philip Hii, espero que la disfrutes cuando la tocas como la disfruto yo cuando la escucho HG

Notiq F

Notiq F

4 years ago

Son...I am not disappoint.

g r

g r

4 years ago

How many hours do I have to put in to be able to do this? And where are the tabs or notes from this? How many hours do I have to put in to be able to read notes by the way? Thanks. takes one who'se tried to know how impressive this is

Matias Hermosilla

Matias Hermosilla

5 years ago

excelente  ,, el año pasado termine de estudiar la obra y la publique en youtube  , gracias a usted pude estudiar algunos pasajes que no les encontraba la vuelta .... muchas gracias aquí dejo mi link

Toccata y fuga en guitarra clásica  (la fuga )

martina seifertova

martina seifertova

7 years ago

good

Nuts

Nuts

7 years ago

Is there anyone else in the world that can play it on guitar ? Seriously.

Hiroshi Niina

Hiroshi Niina

7 years ago

Hi Phillip Hii ! my name is Hiroshi and i studied with one of your former students Tom Lippincott and he mentioned that he was your student but anyway i  have been working for 3 days so far on you transcriptions and i want to say your video is helping learn this piece that i have wanted to learn for a long time. But some of the notes in the transcription are not the same in some passages you are playing in the fugue. Is there a updated transcription? THank you for your time

James Strange

James Strange

5 years ago

Really nice! The whole really piece lends itself to the smaller sound of the guitar in that the beauty of the melodies and harmonies are not competing with the overall "hugeness" of the piece typical in most organ renditions. It is a very different aspect of the piece which, IMHO, honors it well.

Radon Vex

Radon Vex

8 years ago

you took the time to learn the song but not a minute to trim your cat whiskers? props on making sweet love to that guitar.

KyleTheOtaku

KyleTheOtaku

4 years ago

That moment your realize he did this epic arrangement with no tabs

1

Iliaa Pavliashvili

Iliaa Pavliashvili

2 years ago

I got tabs from you but it is complicated to play fugue because you did not add chords and finger position

T Weeks

T Weeks

5 years ago

I'm pretty sure you've played it in the key of Am, not Dm, if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise, nicely done! Bravo!

2