Widor’s reputation rests so solidly on his organ symphonies that the rest of his considerable output has been almost totally ignored. This is a pity. He was in fact a fine composer of the d’Indy/Franck school as these lovely chamber works, recently “Naxified” from 1989 Marco Polo originals, certainly attest. Chronologically speaking, the Quintet Op. 7 actually postdates the Trio Op. 19. It’s a lovely work that’s clearly headed in the direction of Debussy and Ravel, a fact that becomes particularly clear in the scherzo with its delightful pizzicato touches. In all, the quintet’s melodic charm and intelligent proportions bespeak the best of the 19th century French school. The piano trio, while earlier and a bit less characterful than the quintet, features a gorgeous Andante con moto quasi moderato second movement, beautifully played by these forces. Indeed, the interpretations and sonics conspire to present both works in a very positive light, and if you’re interested in good French Romantic chamber music and wish that Fauré had written more, this disc’s just the ticket.
