CH. M. Widor plays his own famous Toccata in 1932

Posted by: George J on 13 July 2014

A fascinating historical glimse of the famous French composer and organist playing his own most famous piece for HMV [Pathe Marconi] in 1932. 

 

We faced with what may seem like an unusual tempo given the ever increasing speed with which modern virtuoso organists attack this war horse of a piece.

 

Widor makes it rather inviting at a much slower tempo than fashionable nowadays. Perhaps the composer had a valid view-point! That was rhetorical of course!

 

ATB from George

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8vz1D_L_OE

Posted on: 13 July 2014 by George J

My old friend [friend from 20 years ago and more when he was assistant organist at Hereford Cathedral] David Briggs does not rush his fences though!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeCB1OmusPk 

 

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 16 July 2014 by Sniper
Originally Posted by George J:

Well, that was 7 minutes well spent. Thank you. I loved this piece since I was a small boy and I chose it at my wedding (where it was played so fast i could have sworn the organist was in desperate need of the loo). It is interesting to note on Youtube how many organists rattle this off in well under 6 mins.