Search - Widor, Oosten :: Organ Symphony 7 & 9

Volume Four of Ben van Oosten's complete survey of Widor organ music contains the Symphony No. 7, and the late Symphonie gothique. The differences between the two are striking. The Symphony No. 7 is, like its predecessors, a suite of highly colorful and varied movements in various forms (including, in this case, a lovely choral, two scherzo-like intermezzos, and a gorgeous slow movement). The Symphonie gothique, on the other hand, is in the traditional four movements, and is based on Gregorian chant melodies. It's a more meditative piece, a synthesis of both the sacred and secular tradition of organ music composition. Both works are, like all of Widor's music, very easy on the ear and a joy to listen to. --David Hurwitz