Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This third volume of the complete Widor organ music contains the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies--certainly the two most popular of Widor's organ compositions. In fact, in the concluding Toccata of the Fifth Symphony, we are dealing with the most popular single piece of organ music since the Toccata and Fugue in D minor of Bach. Academics love to sneer at Widor's Toccata as a tacky potboiler of a piece. It features an incredibly catchy tune that repeats itself to the point that you can't get it out of your head, and if it drives the official arbiters of taste insane, then that's their problem. The rest of us can simply enjoy it as the vivacious conclusion to a gorgeous piece of music. If you think that Widor is all flash, check out the haunting second movement. --David Hurwitz

Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3, Music, Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Keyboard, Music for Keyboard
Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Emotional Paydirt
  • Emotional paydirt
  • Widor, Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3
  • Superb playing by Ben van Oosten
  • Ben van Oosten's Interpretation
 Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1
  2. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4
  3. Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2
  4. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5
  5. Louis Vierne: Complete Organ Symphonies

ASIN: B0000021G1
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Allegro Vivace
  2. Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Allegro Cantabile
  3. Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Andantino Quasi Allegretto
  4. Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Adagio
  5. Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Toccata (Allegro)
  6. Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Allegro
  7. Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Allegro
  8. Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Intermezzo (Allegro)
  9. Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Cantibile
  10. Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Finale (Vivace)

Amazon.com

This third volume of the complete Widor organ music contains the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies--certainly the two most popular of Widor's organ compositions. In fact, in the concluding Toccata of the Fifth Symphony, we are dealing with the most popular single piece of organ music since the Toccata and Fugue in D minor of Bach. Academics love to sneer at Widor's Toccata as a tacky potboiler of a piece. It features an incredibly catchy tune that repeats itself to the point that you can't get it out of your head, and if it drives the official arbiters of taste insane, then that's their problem. The rest of us can simply enjoy it as the vivacious conclusion to a gorgeous piece of music. If you think that Widor is all flash, check out the haunting second movement. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Emotional Paydirt.......2003-07-30

We have finally arrived at the pinnacle of Widor's Romantic era, the period in which he composed Symphonies 4-8. The fifth is the most popular, due in large part to the grandeur of the opening. The sounds emanating from this instrument (similar to one used by Widor himself) are just incredible and exploit the new effects of the "French" organ perfectly.

But the Sixth Symphony has its many fans and is, in many ways, a superior work as a whole. The "breathing" from the pipes is particularly highlighted in this piece. The syncopation is just perfect. Some have opined that these piece seem a tad slow or leaden but van Oosten's interpretation is, I think, the correct one. Widor was aiming for denseness - not an ethereal lightness. One can easily grasp the overall sense of solemnity within these works that I am sure was the intent of the composer

5 out of 5 stars Emotional paydirt.......2003-07-07

We have finally arrived at the pinnacle of Widor's Romantic era, the period in which he composed Symphonies 4-8. The fifth is the most popular, due in large part to the grandeur of the opening. The sounds emanating from this instrument (similar to one used by Widor himself) are just incredible.

But the Sixth Symphony has its many fans and is, in many ways, a superior work as a whole. The "breathing" from the pipes is particularly highlighted in this piece. Some have opined that these piece seem a tad slow or leaden but van Oosten's interpretation is, I think, the correct one. Widor was aiming for denseness - not an ethereal lightness. One can easily grasp the overall sense of solemnity within these works that I am sure was the intent of Widor.

5 out of 5 stars Widor, Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3.......2002-11-28

Those that know Widor's organ music will find this recording authentic because ... it was recorded on a Cavaille-Coll instrument - very much the same instrument that Widor himself played and composed for. Secondly, Van Oosten's registrations are accurate - choosing registrations simlar to those of Widor himself. If you like bright sounding organ registrations .... stick with the composers of the baroque period. Composers of the romantic literature period pursued color more than brightness. Lastly ...... his interpretations are accurate. What better combination can a Widor organ music fan ask for? An accomplished organist playing the complete cycle of Widor symphonies in an authentic way that pays value to the intent of the composer himself. If that's what you're after .... you will be pleased with Mr. Van Oosten.

5 out of 5 stars Superb playing by Ben van Oosten.......2000-12-07

In my opinion, this is the current recording standard for Widor's organ works. Not only has Ben van Oosten selected magnificent instruments for this recording -and the other ones in the series as well. His interpretation of both Symphonies 5 & 6 is fascinating, Widor has a story to tell and Ben van Oosten is an ideal organist to bring this story back to life. Never dull, well balanced, technically refined. A must for those people that love French organ music.

4 out of 5 stars Ben van Oosten's Interpretation.......2000-06-05

The only reason I don't give this recording five stars is because I feel that van Oosten's performance of the opening Allegro vivace of Symphony #5 drags a bit, and the recording itself is somewhat dark and muddy in tone, more than I like to hear in a pipe organ recording. It needs more brilliance, which may be due to van Oosten's choice of stops. Other than those two caveats, it's a fine recording and well worth the money. Anyone who loves pipe organ music will enjoy this.
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Widor Complete Organ Works Vol. 4, Ben van Oosten
  • Another Gold Medal
  • Another Gold Medal
 Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5
  2. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6
  3. Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2
  4. Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3
  5. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1

ASIN: B000028AMT
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

  1. Sym No.7 in a, Op.42: Moderato
  2. Sym No.7 in a, Op.42: Choral. Andante
  3. Sym No.7 in a, Op.42: Andante - Allegretto
  4. Sym No.7 in a, Op.42: Allegro Non Troppo
  5. Sym No.7 in a, Op.42: Lento
  6. Sym No.7 in a, Op.42: Finale. Allegro Vivace
  7. Sym Gothique in c, Op.70: Moderato
  8. Sym Gothique in c, Op.70: Andante Sostenuto
  9. Sym Gothique in c, Op.70: Allegro
  10. Sym Gothique in c, Op.70: Moderato - Allegro - Moderato Andante - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Widor Complete Organ Works Vol. 4, Ben van Oosten.......2006-03-24

This recording made on the magnificent Cavaille-Coll-Organ at St. Ouen, Rouen, is truly wonderful from both a performance and audio experience point of view. Widor's 7th symphony has got to be some of the most beautiful music ever written for organ. The profound slow movements transport the listener into the center of the church to mediate on life's most serious themes. The majestic sounds of the 9th symphony engulf the listener in the power of this great 19th century instrument. Having listened to many organ recordings, I can say that this recording renders a unique experience. The notes are detailed and most informative, and Ben van Oosten's performance is masterful.

5 out of 5 stars Another Gold Medal.......2003-07-30

This latest CD (following the remakes of Volumes 1, 2 and 3 from the LP) is again perfect as an example of Widor's eminent last phase as a composer. After the initial "getting your feet wet" trio of Symphonies 1-3, we have the Lush Romanticism of 4-8, then the mature Rhenish and Gothique.

The Seventh has always had a special place in my heart. Shortly after our marriage, my wife arranged a trip to Williamsburg where we stayed in an "authentic" old home - but that's another story. The night we arrived she noted a concert at the church. The main piece - I forgot the organist - was Widor's Seventh, and hearing this enormous work in a small church was a sensory delight. The fires for big, Romantic works are still burning bright but the in some areas the portents are present for the next level.

The Gothique (# 9) does not startle but it is a superbly crafted work that grows on one the more it is heard. In parts, it is contemplative in tone, but it is complex - much more so than the Romantic pieces. And it is much more of a unified work in that the themes are inter-related and reoccurring. Again, Van Oosten's playing - and the sound of the organ - are both tops.

5 out of 5 stars Another Gold Medal.......2003-07-07

This latest CD (following the remakes of Volumes 1, 2 and 3 from the LP) is again perfect as an example of Widor's last phase as an organist. After the initial "getting your feet wet" trio of Symphones 1-3, we have the Lush Romanticism of 4-8, then the mature Rhenish and Gothique.

The Seventh has always had a special place in my heart. Shortly after our marriage, my wife arrange a trip to Williamsburg where we stayed in an "authentic" old home - but that's another story. The night we arrived she noted a concert at the church. The main piece - I forgot the organist - was Widor's Seventh, and hearing this enormous work in a small church was a sensory delight. The fires for big, Romantic works are still burning bright but the in some areas the portents are present for the next level.

The Gothique (# 9) does not startle but it is a superbly crafted work that grows on one the more it is heard. In parts, it is contemplative in tone, but it is complex - much more so than the Romantic pieces. Again, Van Oosten's playing - and the sound of the organ - are both tops.
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 7
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 7

    Manufacturer: MD&G Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6
    2. Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2
    3. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4
    4. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5
    5. Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1

    ASIN: B000009QBP
    Release Date: 1998-08-18

    Tracks:

    1. Trois Nouvelles Pieces, Op.87: Classique D'hier (Moderato)
    2. Trois Nouvelles Pieces, Op.87: Mystique (Andante)
    3. Trois Nouvelles Pieces, Op.87: Classique D'aujourd'hui (Moderato)
    4. Sym No.1, Op.13/1: Finale (Allegro)
    5. Sym No.1, Op.13/1: Allegro
    6. Sym No.2, Op.13/3: Marcia
    7. Sym No.2, Op.13/2: Prld (Andantino)
    8. Sym No.3, Op.13/3: Finale (Allegro Molto Quasi Presto)
    9. Conte D'Avril, Op.64: Marche Nuptiale
    10. Bach's Memento: Pastorale (Allegretto)
    11. Bach's Memento: Miserere Mei Domine (Lento)
    12. Bach's Memento: Aria (Adagio)
    13. Bach's Memento: Marche Du Veilleur De Nuit (Moderato)
    14. Bach's Memento: Sicilienne (Andantino)
    15. Bach's Memento: Mattheus-Final (Andante)

    Amazon.com

    Widor's organ music makes great listening for people who normally hate organ music. It's so tuneful, elegant, and "French" that you sort of forget all of the churchly associations of the instrument and simply enjoy the colorful sounds that Widor employs. This final volume of the complete organ works includes two delightful suites: the Three New Pieces, and a lovely suite of arrangements entitled Bach's Memento. Along with these two works, van Oosten also includes early versions of various movements from the organ symphonies, proving (as if such proof were needed) that Widor was as self-critical a musical craftsman as ever set pen to paper. A fine conclusion to a superb series. --David Hurwitz

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