I’ve posted the last movement of this symphony before, but this a particularly good performance of the whole thing, with one of Widor’s characteristically lovely second movements, and even a fugue-scherzo (the 3rd movement), over a cantus firmus of the “Puer natus est” hymn (unto us a child is born)… and that theme and variations on that ancient hymn in the 4th movement, ending with another “toccata”-like finale, and then its transcendant chorale ending that always just moves me to tears… such an amazing end to an amazing work, and an amazing life and career as a composer, teacher (Debussy was one of his pupils) and virtuoso organist. Widor’s genius is on full display in this work. And by the way, that is a virtual pipe organ you’re listening to:
