A masterpiece by Franck. Popular classical music.
This is a feature on the works of composer Eduard Franck, who was born during the era of the Kingdom of Prussia, the predecessor of modern Germany.
Because he was strict with his own compositions, he often completed works slowly.
As a result, his general name recognition is somewhat lower than that of contemporaries active in the same period.
Nevertheless, the deeply refined pieces he produced have earned solid acclaim and have been passed down to the present day.
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Frank’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (21–30)
Lament of the Dolls, M.20César Franck
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.
From “Three Consolations,” No. 1César Franck
From ‘Three Little Consolations (Trois petits riens)’ No.
1: Duettino, Op.
16-1.
This work consists of three pieces: No.
2: Waltz (Valse), Op.
16-2, and No.
3: The Dream (Le songe), Op.
16-3.
Piano performance by Heribert Koch.
Prelude from “Prelude, Aria and Finale”César Franck
Prelude, Aria and Finale (Prélude, Aria et Final).
Prelude: Moderato; Aria: Lento; Finale: Allegro molto e agitato.
This work was dedicated to Madame Bordes-Pène, who gave the premiere.
Performed on piano by Cristiano Burato.
Seven Pieces in C major or C minorCésar Franck
From 59 Short Pieces for the Organist: “7 Pieces in C major or C minor (L’Organiste 7 pieces in C-Dur and c-moll).” Although the instrument played in the video is a digital piano, a MIDI sound source is used to reproduce the sound of a pipe organ.
Performed by Giorgio Zaimis.
a grand symphonic workCésar Franck
“Grande Pièce Symphonique in F-sharp major, Op.
17.” This is the second piece from Franck’s Six Pièces for Grand Organ, composed between 1860 and 1862.
It encompasses the full capabilities of the organ and is the largest-scale work in the set.
Organ performance by Doug Marshall.
Symphonic Poem: The People of AeolisCésar Franck
Symphonic Poem “The Aeolians,” Allegro vivo.
Franck’s first symphonic poem.
It is said to have been composed with inspiration from “The Aeolians” included in the poet Leconte de Lisle’s Poèmes antiques.
Performed by the Helikon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter van der Wulp.
Symphonic Poem ‘Jinn’César Franck
Symphonic poem “Les Djinns.” This work was inspired by a poem from Victor Hugo’s The Orientales.
Piano: Tatiana Brezhneva.
Orchestra: Prague Academy Chamber Soloists, conducted by Georgios Galanis.