César Franck Died On This Day

Franck was an organ professor at the Paris Conservatoire and had a reputation as a formidable musical improviser

Belgian-French organist and composer César Franck died on this day in 1890 – 132 years ago. His signature works include Symphony in D minor, Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra, Piano Quintet in F minor, the symphonic poem "Le Chasseur maudit" and his legendary Violin and Piano Sonata in A Major — the latter of which was a wedding present for violin virtuoso Eugène Ysaÿe. His compositions are distinguished by soaring, improvisatory-like melodic lines.

Franck's musical talent was evident at a young age, and he was known as an extraordinarily gifted organist. He enrolled at the Liège Conservatoire of Music at the age of 8 and gave his first concert tour aged just 12.

After completing his studies, Franck accepted a position to teach organ at the Paris Conservatoire in 1872. Some of his pupils include composers Ernest Chausson and Henri Duparc.

PAUL HUANG & GILES VONSATTEL | FRANCK VIOLIN SONATA IN A MAJOR | 2021