Victor Togni

Victor Togni (15 March 1935 - 29 March 1965) was a Swiss Canadian organist, improviser, composer, and teacher. His compositions received positive reception. He won first prize at the American Guild of Organists' Improvisation Competition on June 26, 1964.

Career Togni was a church organist in several positions. In Italy, he served at San Gregorio Magno al Celio, Rome, and as the assistant to Fernando Germani, who was the organist of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. In Switzerland, he served at the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, Lugano. He was the organist and choirmaster of St. Basil's Church and St. Michael's College, Toronto, at St. Michael's Cathedral Choir School as professor of organ and improvisation, as well as at St. Michael's Cathedral as organist. The Calgary Herald wrote in 1964 that Togni was "an internationally-known organist". Before he died, Togni was scheduled to play at the Royal Canadian College of Organists' 1965 National Convention, and again at the same Magadino Festival in 1966. He was also slated for concerts at Haarlem, Rome, Paris, and throughout Germany. Precomposed and Extemporized: Rediscovering the Life and Improvisatory Work of Canadian Organist Victor Togni (1935 - 1965), a 2019 publication, assesses the role of improvisation in Togni's life, including unpublished recordings of Togni improvising.

Works

Mass for the Parishes Five Liturgical Inventions Alleluia! Ave Maria