February 17, 2026 - Charles-Marie Widor - Toccata from the Symphony for Organ No. 5 in F minor Op. 42, No.1 (1879)

I first heard this in the Malcolm McDowell film If.... (1968). It's a pipe organ spectacular. Lots of modulating chords, a kaleidoscope of changes, a showpiece of technical brilliance.

Frederick Hohman is the organist. He has performed all over the world. I love his tan jacket and the way his left hand flies high off the keys early on, at 0:25. He completely rocks, I wonder if he knows Rick Wakeman? Or if he knew Jon Lord? I wonder what his thoughts are regarding Iron Butterfly. Has he ever just sat down and played In-a-gadda-da-vida?

Here is the composer himself, Charles-Marie Widor, perhaps rocking out in the long ago.