An Imaginary Encounter: Bach and Widor
Works for organ and choir by Johann Sebastian Bach
The Tradition Continues. After imagining encounters with Telemann, Handel, Pachelbel, Scarlatti, Marchand, and many others, this time we envision a meeting between Johann Sebastian Bach and Charles-Marie Widor—one of the greatest French interpreters of the Leipzig Cantor’s organ music. Widor drew inspiration from Bach not only in his compositions (Bach’s Memento, published in 1925) but also in his instrumental technique.
The organist once wrote: “The art of organ playing has not changed since Johann Sebastian Bach, even though our instruments have significantly improved.”
Beyond his famous Toccata from the Fifth Organ Symphony, Widor left behind a rich body of vocal and instrumental works. Among them is the moving Messe solennelle, Op. 36, for two choirs and two organs. At its premiere, one critic remarked that it combined “the power of Bach and Handel with the penetrating grace of Mendelssohn, all imbued with a Catholic spirit.”
PROGRAM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Toccata and Fugue in D minor (Dorian), BWV 538
Valet will ich dir geben, harmonized by J. S. Bach (The Church Honors You)
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227 (excerpts)
Bist du bei mir, BWV 508
Jesu, bleibet meine Freude, BWV 147 (Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring)
Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
Symphony No 5 in F minor, Op. 42 no 1
- Toccata
Mass, Op. 36
- Kyrie
- Gloria
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
Tu es Petrus, Op. 23 no 3
Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal
Baritone choir made up of former Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal
Federico Andreoni, choir organ
Vincent Boucher, great organ
Andrew Gray, direction
Julie Daoust, host
General admission: $15
Tickets on sale at festivalbachmontreal.com or at 514 843-3414
Large-screen projection
Basilica, 3:30 p.m.
