Final (from Symphonie Romane)

Well, this is a major project completed at last. This movement integrates together the plainchant melodies from the other movements, culminating eventually in a huge chorale, building on the chorale concept of the second movement, but this time like a triumphant hymn of joy, before dying away until we hear the chant as heard at the very beginning of the symphony. This piece is Final in more senses than one: Widor must have said everything he wanted to say, for although he lived for another 37 years he never wrote another organ symphony. I may not get time to learn anything else this year, so may I take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and encouragement and wish you a very happy Christmas.