A masterpiece by Franck. Popular classical music.

Prelude, Aria and Finale in E major, FWV 23 (M. 23)César Franck

César Franck – Prélude, Aria et Final

César Franck, a Belgian-born composer known as the “father of French modern music.” The influence he exerted on the French musical world as a pianist, organist, and composer is immeasurable.

Composed between 1886 and 1887 toward the end of his life, the Prélude, Aria et Final in E major, FWV 23 (M.23) stands at the pinnacle of Franck’s piano works.

The three movements are unified masterfully by their thematic material while each reveals a distinct character: a prelude marked by powerful chords and striking melodies; an aria of choral-like beauty; and a final movement whose chromatic progressions evoke profound emotional expression.

A masterpiece recommended for advanced players, requiring both high-level technique and rich musical sensitivity.

Prelude, Chorale and Fugue, M.21César Franck

2020 PTNA Special Grade, Second Round – Franck: Prélude, Choral et Fugue, M.21 – pf. Miki Yamagata

César Franck, lauded as the “father of French modern music,” displayed his talents for piano and organ from a young age and was active as a church organist and a professor at the Paris Conservatory.

His representative piano work, Prélude, Choral et Fugue, is known for its grand architecture employing cyclic form and its dense musicality that reflects the influence of Bach and Liszt.

This gem of a masterpiece brilliantly fuses spirituality with classical formal beauty and can be regarded as an innovative work that opened new possibilities for piano music.

Although it is a technically demanding piece requiring advanced performance skills and deep musical understanding, it is a work that those interested in passionate Romantic music and modern French music should definitely attempt.

Prelude, Fugue and Variation, Op. 18César Franck

César Franck: Prélude, Fugue et Variation op. 18 (Freiburger Münster)

It is a masterpiece distinguished by the resplendent, majestic sound of the pipe organ.

Published by César Franck in 1862, the work comprises three movements—Prelude, Fugue, and Variation—and is notable for its graceful, wistful melodies.

In particular, the gentle oboe-stop melody in the Prelude leaves an indelible impression once heard.

It is said to have been inspired by the Cavaillé-Coll organ at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde.

As a representative work of French Romantic music, it continues to be cherished by many organists today.

Grand Fantasia No. 1, Op. 5, M.13César Franck

César Franck – Premier grand caprice, Op. 5 (1845) [Score]

César Franck, often called the father of modern music, was a Belgian-born composer and organist.

Displaying musical talent from an early age, he studied at the Paris Conservatory and later became the organist at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde.

One of Franck’s early works, Grand Caprice No.

1, symbolizes the period when his musical gifts began to blossom.

Its rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint are striking, reflecting his background as an organist.

Brimming with youthful energy and a spirit of exploration, this piece fully draws out the piano’s expressive potential.

Please enjoy its beautiful melodies, imbued with the fragrance of the early Romantic era.

Sonata in a minor for Violin and Piano: Allegro ben moderatoCésar Franck

Franck: Violin Sonata, CFF 123: I. Allegretto ben moderato

The first movement of the Violin Sonata composed by Franck in 1886.

Franck was a composer and organist active in France in the 19th century.

Written in sonata form without a development section, its opening on a dominant ninth chord rather than the tonic is highly striking.

The piece offers showcase moments for both violin and piano.

Within its melancholic calm, flashes of intensity and passion occasionally emerge, making it a compelling work to listen to.

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First movement from the Piano QuintetCésar Franck

César Franck – Piano quintet in f minor | 1. Molto moderato quasi lento

From Piano Quintet in F minor, 1st movement: Molto moderato, quasi lento.

Piano: Ekaterina Vakhvakhishvili; Violin: Roland Daugareil, Guillem Cabré Salagre; Viola: Sándor Antal; Cello: Anne-Élise Thouvenin.

Second movement from the Piano QuintetCésar Franck

César Franck Quintette: Lento con molto sentimento

From Piano Quintet in F minor, Movement II: Lento con molto sentimento.

Piano: Rémy Cardinale; Violin: Girolamo Bottiglieri, Raya Raytcheva; Viola: Caroline Cohen; Cello: Emmanuel Balssa.

Piano Quintet, Movement IIICésar Franck

César Franck: Piano Quintet in F minor, 3rd movement

From Piano Quintet in F minor, 3rd movement: Allegro non troppo ma con fuoco.

Piano: Per Lundberg; Violins: Akiko Ono, Sydney Bougamont; Viola: Rebecca Brown; Cello: Mathijs Broersma.

From Violin Sonata, Movement ICésar Franck

Frank: Violin Sonata in A major, Movement I

From Violin Sonata in A major, First Movement: Allegretto ben moderato.

This work is considered the greatest masterpiece among French-style violin sonatas.

The violin is performed by Shuji Fujiki, recorded at his recital in the Arcus SASEBO Medium Hall in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.

From the Violin Sonata, Movement IICésar Franck

Violin Sonata, Second Movement — Franck Violin Sonata, 2nd Mov.

“Violin Sonata in A major, Second Movement” Allegro.

This work was dedicated as a wedding gift to violinist Eugène Ysaÿe, a junior colleague of Franck.

Violin performed by Keiko Tokunaga, piano by Sachiko Suga.

From a recital in Manhattan.