A masterpiece by Franck. Popular classical music.

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!

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.