Par WIDOR CHARLES-MARIE. Charles-Marie Widor 's Symphonies for Organ, Op. 42 No. 2. Charles-Marie Widor (b. Lyons 1844, d. Paris 1937) first began his studies in his hometown, but later pursued them in Brussels, taking lessons with Nicolas-Jacques Lemmens on the Organ, and composition lessons with François-Joseph Fetis. In 1868, he inaugurated the Organ at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. He also deputized for Saint-Saë ns at the Organ of La Madeleine, and then in 1870 he was provisionally nominated organist at Saint-Sulpice. It was not until 1933 that he relinquished this post in favour of his pupil Marcel Dupre. Followingthe death of Cesar Franck in 1890, it was Widor who was requested to direct Organ studies at the Paris Conservatoire, and he followed this by taking charge of the composition class in 1896. Among his very many students were figures such as Louis Vierne and Charles Tournemire. Widor was a founder member of the Casa Velasquez in Madrid and the American Conservatoire in Fontainbleu. He was an exceptional virtuoso who could be heard in concerts in France and throughout the whole world. He left numerous works, but it is above all his Organ music that is most performed today./ Répertoire / Orgue

Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) composed this Mass Op. 36 in 1878 for the St Sulpice church in Paris. The initial two choirs for which it was composed were comprised of around 200 and 40 voices while the score for this version is for a choir of baritones and an SATB choir. The Organ part requires an advanced-level of ability as it contains some difficult parts. Divided into five sections the entire work has been transposed one half step lower ‘to avoid the awkward key of F sharp major’. These sections are:  1. Kyrie (Moderato – F# minor) 2. Gloria (Vivace – Lento D major 3.Sanctus (Con brio A major) 4. Benedictus ( Piú lento A major) 5. Agnus Dei (Moderato F# major) This really delicate and emotive Mass Op. 36 is a piece that stands out by its majesty. Charles-Marie Widor was a great organist who did not only focus on Organ composition. From orchestra pieces to chamber music he wrote various different compositions including 10 symphonies for Organ some Operas and some Piano Concerti.