A masterpiece by Franck. Popular classical music.

Piano Trio No. 1César Franck

FRANCK: Piano Trio No. 1 – ChamberFest Cleveland (2022)

A piano trio from Franck’s early period.

Composed in 1841, this chamber work consists of three movements.

The first movement opens with a passionate theme, showing the nascent use of cyclic form that reappears in later movements.

The second movement is a light, scherzo-like piece, and the third is grand and powerful.

It’s a work that showcases Franck’s youthful talent and creativity, blending beautiful melodies with skillful construction.

A precursor to his later masterpieces, this piece is highly recommended for chamber music enthusiasts.

Chorale No. 1 in E majorCésar Franck

César Franck: Choral No.1 en Mi Majeur

The first piece from Franck’s late organ collection, Three Chorales.

This work condenses profound religious feeling and inward expression, and is cast in a free variation form.

It opens with a majestic theme, followed by a first variation driven by sixteenth notes, a stately interlude, and a contrapuntal second variation, leading to a grand climax.

Vincent d’Indy, Franck’s pupil, praised it highly, saying that nothing short of the great Bach’s masterpieces could compare.

Completed in 1890, this piece holds a particularly important place in Franck’s musical legacy and continues to be cherished by many organists.

Chorale No. 2 in B minorCésar Franck

César Franck(1822- 1890), Choral II

From ‘Three Chorales,’ No.

2: Maestoso.

A slow flow with a slight tension evolves in complex ways.

The organ is performed by Petra Veenswijk, recorded at the Maria van Jesse Church in Delft, the Netherlands.

Piano Trio No. 2César Franck

Cesar Franck, Piano Trio No. 2 in B flat, op. 1 . Trio de Salon.

A piano trio completed when Franck was 19 years old.

While it is based on the traditional four-movement structure, the work offers a glimpse of Franck’s individuality.

It features many gentle, graceful melodies and a touch of sentimentality, with dramatic elements kept in check.

The piano part is prominent, yet the balance with the strings is beautiful, leaving an overall impression of refinement.

Composed in 1841, when the young Franck was attending the Paris Conservatory, the piece brims with passion.

It can be considered a hidden gem, cherished with deep affection by classical music enthusiasts.

Piano Trio No. 4César Franck

Franck – Piano Trio No. 4 in B minor, op. 2 (Audio+Sheet) [Bekova]

A work that offers a glimpse of Franck’s youthful talent.

The third movement, marked by a lively rhythm and bright melodies, incorporates dance-like elements that captivate the listener.

In contrast, the second movement centers on a lyrical melody, creating an introspective atmosphere.

Composed when he was 19, this piece is one of the representative works of Franck’s early creative period.

With the rich sonorities woven by piano, violin, and cello, and a vibrant youthful passion, it is a piece that classical music enthusiasts should not miss.

Symphonic Poem “The Cursed Hunter”César Franck

Franck: Le Chasseur Maudit

Completed in 1882, this symphonic poem is distinguished by its richly narrative musical expression.

Based on a tale by a German poet, it presents a dramatic story in which a count who goes hunting on Sunday incurs God’s wrath and is pursued by the devil.

Lasting about 15 minutes and divided into four sections, the music evolves with the storyline—from a peaceful morning landscape to the hunt, divine anger, and finally the devil’s chase.

The prominent use of horns and brass is striking, and the work also incorporates church bells and a hymn-like theme.

If you’re interested in programmatic music, be sure to give it a listen.

Prelude, Chorale and FugueCésar Franck

C. Franck: Prelude, Choral and Fugue – Éva Szalai, piano

Completed in 1884, this solo piano work is notable for its structure of three sections performed without interruption.

The prelude evokes a dreamlike, introspective atmosphere; the chorale presents a gentle melody repeated in multiple keys; and the fugue begins with a chromatically descending subject and proceeds with free variations.

A masterful fusion of religious inwardness and the passion of Romantic music, the piece gained wider recognition through its use in Luchino Visconti’s film “Sandra” (Vaghe stelle dell’Orsa).

Its profound content and ingenious design have ensured its enduring popularity among many pianists and audiences.

From the Three Offertories No. 3: At the Lord’s Right HandCésar Franck

Dextera Domini – César Franck

From the Three Offertories, No.

3 “The Right Hand of the Lord” (Offertoires: No.

3.

Dextera Domini).

The choir is the Notre-Dame de Paris Vocal Ensemble and the Notre-Dame de Paris Children’s Choir, conducted by Lionel Sow.

The organ is played by Yves Castagnet.

Seven Pieces in E major or E minorCésar Franck

Sette pezzi in mi maggiore e minore, FWV 41 di C.Frank – Samuele Zamparo

Seven short pieces resound with the organ’s mysterious timbre.

Marked by a serene, meditative tone, they reflect Franck’s profound religious sentiment.

Composed in 1890, the work was intended for church services as well as home performance, enveloped in a sacred atmosphere.

Though brief and concise in form, its beautiful melodies and harmonic progressions deeply move the listener.

With the organ’s rich sonorities bringing out the music’s full allure, this is a recommended piece not only for classical music fans but also for anyone seeking calm and peace.

A Heroic SketchCésar Franck

C. Franck: Three Pieces for Organ, M.37 — “Heroic Piece” / Performed by Hirotsugu Kita

Heroic Piece in B minor.

This work is the third piece in a collection titled Three Pieces.

The organ played by Olivier Penin, organist of the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, is an instrument by the French organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.