WIDOR Organ Symphonies Vol. 5 / Christian von Blohn

Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937)

Organ Symphonies Vol. 5

1-5: Symphony No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 42, No. 1 (1887) (36:02)
6: Symphony No. 8 In B Major, Op. 42, No. 4 – IV. Prélude: Adagio (original 1887 version) 4:24
7-12: Symphony No. 6 In G Minor, Op. 42, No. 2 (1887) (35:36)

Christian von Blohn – organ

Recorded 22 March 2020 at St. Joseph’s Church, Sankt Ingbert, Germany.
Cover photo: Organ of St. Joseph’s Church, by Rich Serra.

Label: Naxos – 8.574279
Barcode: 747313427970
Series: The Organ Encyclopedia
Format: CD, Album
Country: Germany
Released: Apr 2021
Genre: Classical
Style: Romantic, Organ
Comes in a standard-size jewel case with a clear tray.
8pp booklet has notes in English & German.
Playing time 76:26.

Widor’s cycle of ten organ symphonies underwent profound development and transformation over many years. Classical elements became more obviously virtuosic and, by the time of these Op. 42 symphonies, his musical language had become monumental. Symphony No. 5 in F minor is world famous for a single movement, its concluding Toccata, a moto perpetuo of astonishing brilliance, but the whole work is imbued with structural and musical genius. Striking rhythms, dynamic contrasts and technical roulades mark out Symphony No. 6 in G minor. Also included is a graceful movement from Symphony No. 8 (8.574207) that Widor later omitted.