Franck's Six Pièces, Op. 16-21, composed between 1856 and 1864, were first published in 1868 and were considered a revolutionary contribution to French organ literature.
Instruments
Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the organ builder, considered the Saint-François-de-Sales organ, built in 1880, to be "the most perfect and the most beautiful" of his creations to date.
Instruments
The Cavaillé-Coll organ in the church of Saint-François-de-Sales, Lyon, built in 1880, has retained its original disposition and intonation for over 140 years, unlike the Sainte-Clotilde instrument.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Franck expressed his deep affection for the Cavaillé-Coll organ, stating, "If you only knew how I love this instrument! It is so supple beneath my fingers and so obedient to all my thoughts!"
Notable Performances
Ferenc Liszt, after hearing Franck play his Six Pièces in 1866, exclaimed, "These poems have their place beside the masterpieces of Sebastian Bach!"
Performer Biography
Agnieszka Tarnawska, the performer on this album, won first prize at the 15th César Franck International Organ Competition in Haarlem in May 2017.
Instruments
César Franck spent the best part of his life playing the legendary Cavaillé-Coll organ in the Sainte-Clotilde church in Paris, an instrument completed in 1859.
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