Franck, << frahngk, >> Cesar (1822-1890), was a French composer, organist, and teacher. His compositions are a synthesis of the strict Viennese forms of sonata, symphony, and quartet and the late romantic harmonies of composers Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner.
Franck wrote several oratorios and operas, but he achieved his greatest success with his instrumental works. The Symphony in D minor (1889) is his most frequently performed piece, followed by the Sonata in A major (1887) for violin and piano. Franck’s other major compositions include the Quintet in F minor (1880) for piano and strings, the String Quartet in D major (1890), the complex Symphonic Variations (1886) for piano and orchestra, and the Prelude, Chorale, and Fugue (1885) for piano.
Loading the player...Symphony in D Minor by Cesar Franck
Cesar Auguste Jean Guillaume Hubert Franck was born on Dec. 10, 1822, in Liege, Belgium, and moved to Paris with his family in 1835. He was the organist at the Basilica of Ste.-Clotilde from 1858 until his death. Franck gave many acclaimed organ concerts following services at the church. His Six Pieces (1868) for organ emerged from those concerts. Franck taught organ at the Paris Conservatory from 1872 until his death on Nov. 8, 1890, exerting a strong influence on such composers as Paul Dukas, Vincent d’Indy, and Henri Duparc.
