César Franck Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Graceful Dance M.22César Franck8rank/position

César Franck – Danse Lente

César Franck, a composer from Belgium.

From an early age he displayed remarkable talent at the piano, and while he was an outstanding composer, he was also a church organist beloved by many pupils.

Although his works only gained broad recognition after his death, they continue to be cherished around the world today.

Written when Franck was 58, the Gentle Dance, M.22, is marked by contrapuntal techniques that strongly reflect his skills as an organist.

Calm yet deeply expressive, this piece is perfect for savoring on a quiet night.

It’s also a work that distills Franck’s appeal, making it a fine recommendation for those just beginning to explore classical music.

Andantino M.25César Franck9rank/position

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.

Chorale No. 1 in E majorCésar Franck10rank/position

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 Franck11rank/position

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.

Chorale No. 3 in A MinorCésar Franck12rank/position

C. Franck – Choral 3 in A minor – Orgelconcert Veen

From ‘Three Chorales,’ No.

3, Quasi Allegro.

The piece begins in a toccata-like manner, then proceeds through chorale and adagio sections, continuing with diverse transformations as it builds toward the climax.

Performed by organist Gert van Hoof.

Seven Pieces in C major or C minorCésar Franck13rank/position

Franck – Seven Pieces in C Major and C Minor

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.

Violin Sonata, FWV 8 (M. 8)César Franck14rank/position

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.