Symphony No. 4 (Op. 13, No. 4) in F minor was first published in 1872. The first two movements (Toccata, Fugue) set a very classical atmosphere, especially when compared to that of symphony no 3. But the character becomes then more romantic in subsequent movements such as the Andante Cantabile and the Scherzo.

Widor’s symphonies have undergone frequent revisions throughout the composer’s life. Hence, The first four symphonies (Op. 13), all published in 1872, were subject to numerous subsequent editions (1879, 1887, 1888-1892, 1900-1901, 1911, 1920, 1928-1929).

It is the latest edited version which is rendered here (Leduc ~1929). However, as with the first three symphonies, it was interesting to pay attention to earlier editions. As this symphony has only been slightly revised by Widor, only the primitive version of the Finale (1887 edition, Maho & Hamelle), where the pedal part and the coda are quite different, seemed worthy of interest as an alternative to the revised one. Therefore it has been added as an appendix.

Content/Inhalt:

p. 2 : I – Toccata
p. 4 : II – Fugue
p. 7 : III – Andante cantabile
p. 10 : IV – Scherzo
p. 18 : V – Adagio
p. 20 : VI – Final
Earlier version :
p. 24 : Annexe – VI – Finale (Edition 1887)