The inspiration for writing this piece came from my appreciation for a number of exuberant, joyous orchestral pieces, in particular some by American composer Michael Torke (born 1961). Torke's music often is characterized by rapid notes, deployed among different voices with jaunty, syncopated rhythms. Quite often, the harmonic language is simple and straightforward, and many melodic and accompanimental fragments are presented repetitively, though the music overall is more sophisticated than most "minimalist" compositions.

My objective in writing this piece was to create a unique virtuoso piece for the carillon that would be characterized by the same energetic, driving, cheery style. The color resources of the orchestra can't translate to the carillon, naturally, but changes in register and texture still offer much variety. The fact that this piece is written for one instrument was a determining factor in keeping this piece rather short (that, and the energy demanded of the player!).

Incidentally, this is "Toccata No. 3" since my first carillon "Toccata" was the final movement of my first "Suite" for carillon, Op. 12, completed in 1985. "Toccata No. 2" is part of Three Short Pieces for Carillon, Op. 24, written in 2005, just a few weeks before this piece. I gave the première performance of this piece at Culver, on September 3, 2005.

—John Gouwens