A masterpiece by Franck. Popular classical 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.

Violin Sonata, FWV 8 (M. 8)César Franck

César Franck: Violin Sonata in A major, FWV 8 / Mone Hattori (violin) / Masaya Kamei (piano)

César Franck, known as the “father of French modern music,” displayed musical talent from an early age and studied at the Paris Conservatory, later flourishing as a teacher and organist.

Composed in his later years, the Violin Sonata in A major, FWV 8 (M.8), is one of his signature works.

Renowned for its beautiful melodies and dramatic development, the piece is distinguished by skillful variations of themes that run through its movements.

Dedicated to Eugène Ysaÿe, famed for his passionate performances, it is truly an eternal masterpiece—one that every classical music enthusiast should hear at least once.

Violin Sonata in A major, FWV 8 – Movement IVCésar Franck

Franck: Violin Sonata, CFF 123: IV. Allegretto poco mosso

The fourth movement of Franck’s Violin Sonata, composed in 1886.

It’s an engaging piece that contrasts a naturally flowing, beautiful melody at the beginning with a powerful, intense middle section.

The finale is radiant and resplendent, perfectly fitting for the conclusion.

Be sure to listen to the piano as well—it goes beyond mere accompaniment and engages in vivid interplay with the violin!

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Ballade Op. 9César Franck

Cesar Franck: Ballade, Op. 9 (with score)

César Franck’s Ballade, Op.

9, unfolds a deeply beautiful musical world.

Composed early in the career of the man hailed as the “father of modern French music,” this piano work brims with refined Romantic charm.

It shifts from quiet, pastoral passages to powerful, passionate developments, demanding exceptional technique from the performer.

Rich in emotional expression that reflects Franck’s growth as a musician, it is sure to move listeners’ hearts.

A supreme piece I highly recommend to anyone seeking to discover new facets of piano music.

Sonata in A major for Piano and Violin, FWV 8César Franck

Franck: Sonata (Yo-Yo Ma) / Franck Sonata (Yo-Yo Ma)

This is the cello arrangement of César Franck’s Sonata in A major for Piano and Violin, FWV 8.

Composed in 1886 and consisting of four movements, this sonata is a magnificent work often hailed as the greatest masterpiece among French violin sonatas.

The premiere took place in Brussels, Belgium, in December 1886.

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.

Piano Quintet in F minor, M.7César Franck

[Risa Tonomura, Mahiru Moriyama, Keigo Suzuki, Michiaki Ueno, Tomoki Sakata] Franck: Piano Quintet in F minor

The Piano Quintet in F minor, M.7 is one of the signature works by César Franck, the Belgian-born composer often called the father of modern music.

It is characterized by a fusion of the gravity of F minor and Franck’s distinctive contrapuntal writing, yielding deep emotional expression and a complex musical architecture.

The piece consists of three movements, each seeming to tell a different story.

The first movement interweaves passion and melancholy; the second evokes a serene, meditative atmosphere; and in the finale, the preceding themes develop toward a grand conclusion.

A masterpiece of late Romantic chamber music, it is a work every classical music enthusiast should hear at least once.

Symphony in D minor, Movement IIICésar Franck

Franck: Symphony in D minor, Movement III — Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra

Following the release of symphonies by Lalo and Saint-Saëns, Franck, encouraged by his pupils to write a symphony, began composing as well.

By the autumn of 1887 he had completed a draft, and the work was finished in August of the following year.

It is said that Franck himself, unfazed by the poor reception at the premiere, replied contentedly to his family, “It sounded just as I imagined.”

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.

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!