[Franck’s Piano Works] A curated selection of gem-like masterpieces by the Father of Modern Music

Andantino M.25César Franck

C. Franck / Andantino in G minor, M.25 / Performance: Hirotsugu Kita

César Franck, known as the father of French modern music, showed remarkable talent at the piano from a young age and was also active as an organist and composer.

His Andantino, notable for its gentle, beautiful melody, is a captivating work with a warm tone and delicate emotional expression.

While reflecting the profound religious themes Franck excelled at, it carries a romantic atmosphere that resonates with listeners.

It’s recommended as an introduction to organ music, but above all, it’s a piece I hope those seeking to enrich their hearts through music will listen to.

Piano Trio No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1César Franck

Franck – Piano Trio No. 1 (Trio concertant) in F sharp minor, Op. 1/1 (1840)

César Franck, a Belgian-born composer, had a profound influence on modern music, to the extent that he is hailed as the “father of modern French music.” Displaying musical talent from an early age and studying at the Paris Conservatory, he was active as a teacher and organist while also leaving behind masterpieces as a composer, such as his Piano Trio No.

1.

An early work by Franck, this piece features three movements, each with its own distinct appeal: a first movement that evolves from a gentle opening into a passionate development, a second movement that is rhythmic and energetic, and a finale notable for its grand scale and rich expressiveness.

Strongly reflecting the Romantic style and brimming with the passion of youthful genius, this is a work that every lover of classical music should hear.

Symphonic Poem “Kishin” CFF.136 FWV 45César Franck

Franck: Symphonic Poem “Demon God” (composer’s own arrangement for two pianos), CFF 136; FWV 45 — pf. Kosuke Kita

César Franck, an outstanding composer born in Belgium and hailed as the “father of French modern music,” was a master of the Romantic era.

Displaying musical talent from an early age and studying at the Paris Conservatoire, he devoted himself to work as an organist and teacher while also leaving remarkable achievements as a composer.

His 1882 symphonic poem Le Chasseur maudit (The Accursed Huntsman), inspired by a work by the German poet Gottfried August Bürger, is an ambitious depiction of a Sunday hunt.

It vividly portrays a count who dares to hunt on a holy day and is condemned to be pursued by the devil for eternity.

Its rich sonorities and dramatic development are sure to move listeners deeply.

If you’re looking for a masterpiece of Romantic music, be sure to check out this piece!

Lament of the Dolls, M.20César Franck

C. Franck / The Doll’s Lament, M.20 / Performed by Kojo Kita

The Belgian-born composer César Franck, hailed as the “father of French modern music,” was not only an outstanding composer but also a church organist beloved by many students.

Composed in 1865, L’amiable plainte de la poupée (The Doll’s Lament) is one of Franck’s more approachable character pieces for piano; while one can sense the influence of Robert Schumann, Franck’s distinctive chromatic progressions are subtly embedded within.

Unusually light and accessible for Franck, this work combines an introspective quality with a charm that has endeared it to a wide range of pianists.

Symphonic Poem ‘The Accursed Huntsman’ CFF 128, FWV 44César Franck

Franck: Symphonic Poem “The Accursed Huntsman” (composer’s own arrangement for piano four hands) pf. (primo) Kita, Kosuke pf. (secondo) Sugawara, Nozomu

César Franck, a Belgian composer and a pioneer of modern music.

Among his representative works, including those for piano, the symphonic poem The Accursed Huntsman is a particularly striking piece with strong dramatic elements.

It vividly depicts, through richly colored music, the story of a count who ignores the pealing of prayer bells and sacred chants to go hunting, and is cursed to be pursued by the devil for eternity.

With orchestration brimming with tension that draws listeners into its narrative world, the piece is also well known in the piano arrangement made by the composer himself.