Widor Organ Symphonies – Kåre Nordstoga

Further explorations of the French organ literature

The renowned organist Kåre Nordstoga continues his venture into and exploration of the French organ literature. After his previous successful album featuring the works of César Franck, Nordstoga here tackles two of Charles-Marie Widor´s organ symphonies, central works in the French organ music history. Through the exactness and the high quality and musicianship of his own playing, and the rigorous and demanding standards of his teaching of both the organ and composition, Widor managed to establish a remarkable French school of organ composition that flourished during his long lifetime.

Recorded at the same Cavaillé-Coll Organ of l´Abbatiale Saint-Etienne de Caen Nordstoga performed Franck´s organ works, the Norwegian organist this time performs Widor´s “Symphony for Organ no. 5” and “Symphony for Organ no. 6”. With both having the character of organ suites, the works are compendious and often eclectic compositions containing five movements each. Clearly composed for himself, the symphonies demand a prodigious technique, strong abilities as a performer and high concentration, which of course is no problem for the highly skilled Kåre Nordstoga.