French Masterpieces
Douglas Major, organ
Washington National Cathedral

Franck and Widor established French Romantic organ work.  Franck's Grande pièce symphonique was the first to use the term "symphony"; Widor's fifth symphony is perhaps the most famous work of the genre, and concludes with his ever-popular Toccata.  The works of both composers are well-suited to the grand, Gothic space of the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Franck: Grande pièce symphonique, Op. 17

Franck: Pièce héroïque
Widor: Symphony No. 5 in F minor for organ, Op. 42/1

     Allegro vivace

     Allegro contabile

     Andantino quasi allegretto

     Adagio

     Toccata