Charles-Marie Widor - Toccata (Cavaillé-Coll Organ of Saint-Palais)

Charles-Marie Widor - V. Toccata from Symphony No. 5 for Organ, Op. 42, No. 1

Known primarily for its final movement, the Toccata in F, Charles-Marie Widor's 5th Organ Symphony (1878) is a momentous work of five movements and 35 minutes. The famous Toccata, played here by Eddie Zheng, is one of the most well-known and loved works for the organ. It features a constant 16th note figuration in the right hand, with the left hand outlining the harmonic changes through repeated chords, while the pedals speak the thunderous and powerful theme. The rhythmic stamina of this movement is what drives the work through the kaleidoscopic range of harmonies and emotions.

Performed on the 1888 A. Cavaillé-Coll Organ of Saint-Palais, Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Palais, France on July 23rd, 2023 during the Oloron Orgues masterclass with Johann Vexo in Oloron Sainte-Marie, France.

Recorded by Annie Spink - thank you!

Organ Specifications:
https://orgue-aquitaine.fr/Orgue-de-S...

Eddie Zheng is a rising concert organist who is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Juilliard School, under the guidance of Paul Jacobs.

For more information visit https://www.eddiezheng.com/