César Franck's complex compositional output was groundbreaking for French organ culture, encompassing many genres and forms.
Compositional Technique
César Franck composed works with complex forms, such as the Grande Pièce Symphonique, which were new to organ literature and established the French organ symphony.
Composer Biography
César Franck's career as a pianist, initially intended by his father, was abandoned in favor of becoming an organist and composer.
Performer Biography
Stefan Schmidt, the organist on this recording, is an internationally sought-after artist and improviser who has recorded numerous CDs and accompanies silent films.
Composer Biography
César Franck served as organist at the newly built Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, which featured a new Cavaillé-Coll organ, starting in 1859.
Compositional Technique
The Douze Pièces (Twelve Pieces) are considered César Franck's most important and complex organ compositions, securing a permanent place in the organ repertoire.
Composer Biography
César Franck, born in Liège, Belgium, moved to Paris with his family at age 13 and later became an organist and composer.
