Symphony No. 3 (Op. 13, No. 3) in E minor was first published in 1872. It has a very “romantic” character which emerges from the prelude, then in the Minuetto, and finds its climax in a rhapsodic-style ‘Final’.

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, it was interesting to also pay attention to earlier editions. In the first edition (1872), the symphony consisted of five movements and ended with a fugue. In the 1887 edition, a sixth movement (Final) is added. The number of movements is again reduced to five in the 1901 edition, the fugue (no V) being deleted. The “Finale”, renamed “Final” is deeply revised in this edition, it is more developed and the harmony more audacious.. We edited and appended the Fugue and the Final as they appear in the 1887 edition (Maho & Hamelle).

As usual, page turns are reduced in number and set at relevant locations. However, due to an exceptional musical density in the ‘Final’ (pages 18 to 24), it was impossible to find locations with a hand being free for a page turn. Therefore turning points (pages 19 and 21) were set where the music can be naturally breathing. In case of a concert, an arrangemement or some page turning assistance will be required.

Content/Inhalt:

p. 2 : I – Prélude
p. 6 : II – Minuetto
p. 11 : III – Marcia
p. 16 : IV – Adagio
p. 18 : V – Final
Earlier versions :
p. 26 : Annexe 1 – V – Fugue (Edition 1887)
p. 28 : Annexe 2 – VI (V) – Final (Edition 1887)