Christmas Toccata for Organ — Gareth Green

This dazzling concert piece by British composer Gareth Green was written for a special Christmas concert in Wakefield Cathedral in the late 1990s. The work contains obvious references to Bach’s Toccata in D minor and to Widor’s famous Toccata from his Fifth Organ Symphony, intertwined with quotations from several well-known Christmas Carols. It opens with a bold 'Adagio' introduction, then drives into Toccata writing of rhythmic Moderato brilliance—bristling figuration, quick manual changes, and athletic pedal lines. After the central climax, a brief 'Maestoso' Coda draws the volume and texture back, closing the piece quietly with noble poise.

Why you’ll love it:

Festive brilliance – A sparkling Toccata that captures the excitement of Christmas.

Contrasting architecture – Virtuosic drive to a quiet 'Maestoso' coda of dignified calm, including a gentle Christmas wish.

Famous echoes – Playfully references Bach’s Toccata in D minor, Widor’s Toccata, and traditional Carols.

Accessible engraving – 7 pages of music notation within a 10-page publication, clearly typeset with registration notes.

Advanced level – Suitable for organists around UK Grade 8+, requiring technical dexterity and stamina. Performance time is about 6–7 minutes.

About the composer:

Gareth Green (b. 1960) is a British composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. A Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, he studied at Worcester College, Oxford, and the Royal College of Music in London, and holds the FLCM in Composition. He has served as Assistant Organist at Wakefield Cathedral and now combines composing with international work as a performer, examiner, and educator.

Publication details:

Christmas Toccata for Organ — 10 pages in total (7 pages of music notation), organ score in PDF format. © 2019 EJ Music Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved; purchase licenses you to play from the copy but not to reproduce or distribute it. Catalogue No.: EJMP02004.

Add sheet music of this thrilling Christmas Toccata by Gareth Green to your repertoire and let it crown your Christmas services or festive concerts with exuberant brilliance.