Is it true that Bach used a stick sometimes when playing the organ to play 'difficult to reach' keys?

Was this true? lol Are there any other composers who used this form of improvisation rather than just playing 'conventionaly'?Is it true that Bach used a stick sometimes when playing the organ to play 'difficult to reach' keys?
I've never heard of this before, although I wouldn't put it past ol' Johann to show off by playing chorale preludes with a stick. Charles Ives' ';Concord'; piano sonata uses a piece of wood to create some chords, and there's a very funny Youtube video with a comedy act using these boards - search for ';Rachmaninov had big hands';Is it true that Bach used a stick sometimes when playing the organ to play 'difficult to reach' keys?
I read that somewhere. But I'm not sure I believe it. I remember reading it was because he was constantly pushing himself. While I can't put it past him, I can't be sure its true!





~Lisa





Edit: Much of what Bach performed wasn't prewritten. In his improvisations is where the stick would come in (if there was a stick). He was a master improviser.
pobably not. most of your composers wouoldn't write it if they themselves couldn't play it. if they, the almight composer, couldn't play it, how the heck could they expect an eager student to learn it?