Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Charles-Marie Widor. In his lifetime, Widor was feted throughout Europe as a performer, teacher, and composer of ballets, opera, concertos and organ symphonies, Today he is largely remembered for just one work. This week, Dr John Near joins Donald Macleod to journey through the world of Widor, looking beyond his famous organ Toccata to explore the composer's chamber and orchestral music.

The young Widor emerged as an organ prodigy in the 1860s, with the support and encouragement of the famed organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. He was soon offered a post at the church of St. Sulpice in Paris, and became a pivotal figure in Parisian cultural and social circles. His performances at the organ, and his works for the stage and concert halls attracted many, including royalty. Widor also joined the teaching staff at the Paris Conservatoire, and taught many luminaries of the next generation, including Vierne, Kodály, Varese and Messiaen. Widor lived into his nineties and remained active into his final years, founding the Casa Vélazquez in Madrid for French artists to study Spanish culture.

Playing and building organs ran in the Widor family. Young Charles-Marie was first hoisted onto the organ bench at the age of four where his father would teach him the mysteries of the instrument. By the time he was eleven years old, Widor was awarded a scholarship to study at the Lycee in Lyon. He was able to earn his keep by playing the organ at mass and vespers at the city's Jesuit College. Widor would go on to compose much liturgical music during his long career, including his Mass Opus 36 for two choirs and two organs.

Supported by the organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, Widor was sent to study organ with Jacques Lemmens and composition with François-Joseph Fétis. After this burst of intense learning, Cavaillé-Coll utilised his protégé's now exceptional skills by sending Widor off around Europe to champion instruments manufactured by his mentor's firm. Later, Cavaillé-Coll helped Widor secure his first significant position as organist at the church of St. Sulpice in Paris, where he was to remain for sixty-four years. Show less