Symphony No. 1 (Op. 13, No. 1) in C minor, first published in 1872, is both luminous and ceremonial in character. This symphony is often seen as a tribute to Bach. The prelude, the fugue, the meditation in the form of a ‘Sicilienne’ are indeed so many evocations of the cantor.

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 of symphony No. 1 which is rendered here (Leduc ~1929). However, it was interesting to also pay attention to earlier editions. For example, the second movement was revised many times. Examining succeeding editions reveals Widor’s evolution towards a more inventive, more ornate and above all harmonically more audacious style. But earlier versions do also have there own interest, as they sometimes show a more spontaneous character. For their musical interest, we edited and appended a selection of alternate movements and versions from earlier editions (1872, 1887, 1901).

Content/Inhalt

p. 2 : I – Prélude
p. 7 : II – (Allegretto)
p. 12 : III – Intermezzo
p. 17 : IV – Adagio
p. 20 : V – Marche Pontificale
p. 24 : VI – Méditation
p. 25 : VII – Finale

Earlier versions

p. 28 : Appendix 1 – [II] – Allegretto (Edition 1872)
p. 35 : Appendix 2 – II – (Allegretto) (Edition 1887)
p. 41 : Appendix 3 – II – (Allegro) (Edition 1901)
p. 46 : Appendix 4 – VII – Finale (Edition 1887)