A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Widor, Charles

by Gustave Chouquet

WIDOR, Charles Marie, organist and composer, born Feb. 22, 1845, at Lyons, where his father was organist of St. François. After an early training at home he was sent to Belgium, where he studied the organ with Lemmens, and composition with Fétis. He then returned to Lyons, and in Jan. 1870 became organist at St. Sulpice in Paris, a post he still retains.

M. Widor's intellectual activity and position in good society did not tempt him to be a mere virtuoso; he soon won himself a place among the composers and writers on music. His duties as critic of the 'Estafette,' under the two signatures of 'Tibicen' and 'Auletes,' leave him ample time for composition. His works include a quantity of PF. pieces; songs with PF. accompaniment; duets for soprano and alto, etc.; 2 orchestral symphonies (in F and A); 'Nuit du Sabbat,' caprice symphonique in 3 parts; 3 concertos for PF. and orchestra, cello and orchestra, and violin and orchestra; PF. quintet in D minor; PF. trio; sonata for PF. and violin; suite for flute, and 6 duets for PF. and organ. He has also published a Mass for 2 choirs and 2 organs; Psalm cxii. for chorus, orchestra, and organ; several motets, and two collections of 'Symphonies' for organ. His Ballet in a acts, called 'La Korrigane,' was produced at the Opéra, Dec. 1, 1880, with success, though his 'Maitre Ambros,' an opera in 3 acts and 4 tableaux to a libretto by Coppée and Auguste Dorchain, produced at the Opéra Comique in May, 1886, was not so fortunate. The work will, however, confirm M. Widor in popular estimation and the respect of connoisseurs; for the pains he bestows on all his compositions, coupled with the grace and distinction of his melody, and his horror of vulgarity, seem to point him out as fitted to please both the public and the select few. His Symphony in A was played at the Crystal Palace, March 19, 1887. [App. p.817 "Add that in 1888 he visited England and conducted his 'Music to a Walpurgis Night' at the Philharmonic Concert of April 19."]

[ G. C. ]