Charles-Marie Widor: Mass Op. 36: SATB: Vocal Work

Charles-Marie Widor is best known for the Toccatta the finale from his Fifth Symphony for Organ but the real heart of his compositional oeuvre lies in the ten Organ symphonies and there is much to be discovered in the rest of his compositional output. This Mass was originally written in 1878 for a choir of Baritones the Chorus of the seminary next door to St Sulpice in Paris the church where he was temporary Organist for sixty-four years and mixed Chorus and two Organs. Although Widor lived in Paris during the years of the radicalism of the decades following World War I he retained a conservatism in composition and musicianship that is evident in this powerfulMass.The entire work has been transposed one half step lower ‘to avoid the awkward key of F sharp major’.

Par WIDOR CHARLES-MARIE. Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) composed this Mass, Op. 36 in 1878 for the St Sulpice church in Paris. The initial two choirs for which it was composed were comprised of around 200 and 40 voices, while the score for this version is for a choir of baritones and an SATB choir. The Organ part requires an advanced-level of ability as it contains some difficult parts. Divided into five sections, the entire work has been transposed one half step lower ‘ to avoid the awkward key of F sharp major'. These sections are: 1. Kyrie (Moderato & F# minor) 2. Gloria (Vivace & Lento, D major 3. Sanctus (Con brio, A major) 4. Benedictus ( Piú lento, A major) 5. Agnus Dei (Moderato, F# major) This really delicate and emotive Mass, Op. 36 is a piece that stands out by its majesty. Charles-Marie Widor was a great organist who did not only focus on Organ composition. From orchestra pieces to chamber music, he wrote various different compositions, including 10 symphonies for Organ, some Operas, and some Piano Concerti./ Répertoire / 2 Barytons, SATB, Orgue Acc (Duet)