Symphony No. 7 in A minor is one of Widor’s most ambitious organ works. Its six movements alternate between powerful, dramatic writing and moments of great lyricism. The second movement, Choral, introduces a theme that reappears in various forms throughout the symphony, giving the work a strong sense of unity. The imposing opening movement finds its counterpart in the spectacular Finale, whose orchestral writing and dramatic intensity evoke the world of Wagner, particularly the Ride of the Valkyries.

First published in 1887, together with Symphony No. 8, it completed Op. 42, which already included Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6, published in 1879. The 1887 edition also included revised versions of the four symphonies of Op. 13.

Op. 13 and Op. 42 (Symphonies Nos. I–VIII) subsequently underwent numerous revisions throughout Widor’s lifetime and appeared in several successive editions (1888–1892, 1900–1901, 1911, 1920, 1928–1929). The musical text used here is that of the final edition (Leduc, c. 1929), with a few minor corrections and additions.

Content/Inhalt:

p. 2 : I – Moderato
p. 8 : II – Choral
p. 13 : III – Andante
p. 18 : IV – Allegro ma non troppo
p. 24 : V – Lento
p. 26 : VI – Finale