Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) composed his Symphony No. 1 in C minor in 1872. It is, in fact, more of a symphonic suite for organ in seven short movements: Prelude (Moderato), Allegretto, Adagio, Intermezzo, Marche Pontificale, Meditation (Lento), and Finale (Allegro). A work of extreme virtuosity and extraordinary sonorities, Widor's C minor is extravagantly colored and massively scored. Except for its central Marche Pontificale, Widor's Symphony in C minor is hardly as popular as his later organ symphonies. But it is the first of the great French organ symphonies and requires at least academic acknowledgement.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide