Franck, César

(1822-1890)

   composer

   César-Auguste Franck, whose work during the late 19th century significantly influenced the direction of French music, was born in Liège, Belgium. A precocious musician, he made a piano concert tour of Belgium at age 11. He studied music in Liège and, from 1837 to 1842, at the Paris Conservatoire, where he revealed great ability as an organist and composer. He became a French citizen in 1873 and died in a street accident in Paris. Franck's work is characterized by the use of classical form, including the symphony and sonata, which he imbued with the romantic spirit. He alternated between mystical and brooding themes and those of a more emotional and dramatic type. Somewhat neglected during his lifetime, Franck's compositions are now part of the standard repertoire. A significant work that ranks among the most popular of all symphonies and has served as a model for many important French symphonic works is his symphony in D minor (1886-88). Other of Franck's many compositions include three Trios concertants (1843); the oratorio Ruth (1846); six Pièces pour grand orgue (1860); four symphonic poems, Rédemption (1871-72), Le Chasseur maudit (1882), Les Djinns (1884), and Psyché (1887); works for piano and orchestra such as Variations sym-phoniques (1885); and later works including Quintette avec piano (1880); Prélude, choral et fugue (1884); Sonate pour violon et piano (1886); Prélude, aria et finale pour piano (1887); and Quartuor à cordes (1890). Among his students and disciples, Franck counted many important musicians of the later 19th century, including vincent d'indy and henri duparc.