The starting-point for this exciting recital piece was the Toccata and Fugue in D minor ascribed to J.S. Bach. Simon Preston has tried to retain the dramatic and virtuosic elements in his own work while, at the same time, seeking to free it from the harmonic restraints of D minor. To do this, he has started with all the notes of the first two bars of Bach's Toccata, removed the note D, and created his own choral, melodic and rhythmic patterns with what is left.
Simon Preston studied at King's College, Cambridge, where he served as organ scholar. In 1962, he made his debut at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed Sub-Organist of Westminster Abbey. In 1970, he became Organist of the Cathedral and Tutor in Music at Christ Church Oxford, before returning to Westminster Abbey from 1981-87 as Organist and Master of the Choristers. Since leaving the Abbey, Simon has continued to pursue an active career as a highly sought-after concert organist. In 2009, he was made a CBE in the New Year's Honours list.
