César Franck

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César Franck

César Franck was a Belgian-French composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher, known for his contributions to the Romantic music era. Born on December 10, 1822, in Liège, which was then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, Franck demonstrated early musical talent. His father, Nicolas-Joseph Franck, envisioned him as a prodigy akin to Franz Liszt and enrolled him at the Royal Conservatory of Liège in 1830. Franck's education continued in Paris, where he studied under notable teachers such as Anton Reicha.

Despite his father's ambitions for him as a performer, Franck eventually pursued a career that balanced performance, teaching, and composition. He became the titular organist at the Basilica of Saint Clotilde in Paris in 1858, a position he held for life. In 1872, he was appointed professor at the Paris Conservatoire, a role that required him to take French nationality.

Franck's compositions are celebrated for their integration of German structural ideas with French lyricism and harmonic color. He was influenced by composers like Beethoven, Liszt, and Wagner, and his works often employed cyclic forms, where thematic material recurs across movements. His notable compositions include the Symphony in D minor and the Violin Sonata, which are part of the standard classical repertoire.

Throughout his career, Franck was recognized for his improvisational skills on the organ and his influence on future generations of musicians. His students included prominent composers such as Vincent d'Indy and Louis Vierne. Franck's legacy is marked by his innovative approach to composition and his impact on both French and international music traditions. He passed away on November 8, 1890, in Paris, following complications from an accident earlier that year.

Albums

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Romantic Violin

CUGC 1015

Franck: Symphony In D Minor / Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 Reformation

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"Franck: Symphony In D Minor; Saint-saëns: Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78"

"Frank: Symphony In D Minor/le Chasseur Maudit (""the Accursed Hunter"")"

A Classical Christmas Favorite! Relaxing Celebration…

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The 100 Best Classical Impressions: Classics For Relaxation

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The Symphonies Vol. 4: Specific Symphonic Pieces: Symphonic Drama In The 18th Century

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Symphonic Pearls Of Romantic Giants Vol. 1: Great Moments: Continuators Of Late-Romantic Heritage

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Classical Treasures: Sunday Morning Favorites

CUGC 1030

50 Most Essential Relaxing Classics

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Art of Classics: Classical Wake Up Music

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Symphony in D minor, Le Chasseur maudit (The Accursed Hunter)

HDC 1015

Classical Romance Featuring Works by Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Borodin and others

HDC 1066

Classical Morning Dreams

HDC 1182

A Sunny Afternoon

HDC 1216

50 Summer Concert Classics: The Soft Touch Of Symphony

HH 9226

Classical Music for Lovers

VD 9010

Your Classical Life: Driving Time

YCL 1030

Classical Choice: Driving Time

CLC 030

The Symphonies Vol. 4: Specific Symphonic Pieces: Symphonic Drama In The 18th Century

CUG 0148

Symphonic Pearls Of Romantic Giants Vol. 1: Great Moments: Continuators Of Late-Romantic Heritage

CUG 0149

Classics for Relaxation CD2

SP 9815

Classical Impressions

HDC 1498

Spring Sounds

HDC 1500

Classical Romance

EXL 31081

Classical Christmas Night

Xmas 251

A Classical Christmas Night

TMC 175

Silent Night – A Classical Christmas

HWH 017

Cottagecore Classical Music

CS 1002