(1844-1937) French composer and organist. He created the solo organ symphony, which in effect treats the instrument itself as an orchestra of variously colored pipes and stops. He wrote ten such symphonies; the famous Toccata c. 1880 is the finale of his Fifth Symphony.
Influenced to an extent by César Franck, Widor succeeded him as professor at the Paris Conservatoire. Among his other works are operas, ballets, and a treatise on orchestration.