That's a little out of the ordinary for me because M. Widor lived from 1844 to 1937. Normally my cut-off date for really fine music is the early 1700s (what can I say, my baroquer is G. F. Handel.....). However when I was in college I got to be friends with the young man who was the official organist/accompanist for the school. Robert was incredibly talented. As I watched and listended to him play this, it became my favorite organ piece (next to Albinoni's Adagio in G minor) (and this one is happier than the Albinoni. You're welcome). Due to the mix of pedaling (feet) with manuals (hands), it is quite a showy piece. Watching a good organist play this (and Robert was excellent) is entertaining.
As I mentioned, yesterday evening I got started down the rabbit trail of finding some information about this piece of music. Like most rabbit trails, I have no idea how I started but it took me over to Youtube (which isn't really that surprising). I found this piece by a master organist who performed the Widor at a cathedral in Newark. It's a good one and they even show his feet periodically, which gives you a better feel for the whole of the music.
As I was listening, I glanced over to the side panel and made a discovery. Youtube has a recording of the composer performing this piece at the Church of St. Sulpice in Paris in April of 1932! Not only do they have this recording, it is a pretty good recording.
So happy Friday and here is some wonderful classical music to get the day off to a good start.
Just so you know, I really don't know much about the person who posted this, so I can not recommend their channel as something that is or is not wonderful. I just like that he has this recording.
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