Recent Researches in the Music of the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries

The Symphonie pour orgue et orchestre, opus 42[bis] has had spectacular moments in its history. In 1880, the future king of England, Edward VII, requested that Widor compose a grand work for organ and orchestra to be performed in London’s Royal Albert Hall. The American premiere in 1919, with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski and the great Wanamaker organ, drew some 12,000 auditors. Using movements from his second and sixth symphonies for solo organ as the basis, Widor created a masterpiece that launched a renaissance in the organ/orchestra combination. This premiere edition is based on Widor’s autograph manuscript as well as copies that he had made and which carry emendations and corrections in his own hand. The introduction details the Symphonie’s origin, manuscript sources, revisions, early performances, and includes performance guidelines. Published in full score with separate organ part (and orchestral parts available by request), the edition reintroduces this legendary tour de force to the repertory for organ and orchestra.

Performance parts are available for rental: N33R1; parts with string markings by the Philadelphia Orchestra are also available as N33R2.

Music Sample

Contents:

Symphonie pour orgue et orchestre, opus 42[bis]

[I]
[II. Andante]
[III.] Final