Toccata for Organ
"O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High"

I wrote this toccata for my wife as the recessional for our wedding, set over the 15th century hymn tune Deo Gracias, an arrangement of which appears in the Psalter Hymnal with an English translation of the (also 15th century) Latin text for which the toccata is named. The work is divided into 5 sections, traditionally the number of Christ. The complete theme is stated three times, representing the Trinity, with two interludes developing the main harmonic and melodic materials. In the final section another hymn tune, Wondrous Love, from the 19th-century hymnal Southern Harmony, is interjected between phrases of the first, further marvelling at and emphasizing the subject matter of the original hymn.

It should be noted that, despite the occasion for which it was written, the toccata is not meant to be an ode to romantic love, but rather a celebration of God's perfect, divine love. The file below was recorded in May of 2003 by Dr. Larry Visser, music director and organist for LaGrave Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.