I have just acquired the Naxos cd of "organ favourites" by Widor. My first exposure to Widor was upon hearing the famous Toccata live in concert about 20 years ago. It's such a colourful and upbeat piece. I also like the Symphony No. 5 which it concludes. It begins with a theme and variations, then a slow movement which hints at the theme of the finale, then the final Toccata: Allegro. A very unified piece. & probably quite innovative: Vaughan Williams used basically the same format in his Symphony No. 8 (1950's), except he inserted a scherzo.
Of the other pieces on the cd, I especially enjoyed the slow movement of the Symphony No. 4 - very simple & lyrical. Also, the opening movement of Symphony No. 6, which has this amazing crescendo (very virtuostic). The slow movement from the Symphonie Gothique has this meditative feel, appropriate for a large cathedral of the title. Widor's Bach Memento is also interesting, it includes transcription's of Bach's pieces, as well as more free (Lisztian?) fantasias based upon them.
I really enjoyed this disc and look forward to attending some organ recitals where I hope the organist will play a piece of two by this great composer. Hugely influential, he taught people like Dupre and Schweitzer. He also knew all of the great composers of the time - Rossini, Liszt, Meyerbeer & Saint-Saens. A person who really dedicated his life to music, and in particular, the organ (king of instruments, no less)...
