The Three Chorales for organ are César Franck's last important completed works, finished just weeks before his death in 1890.
Composition History
Franck's Three Pieces were composed in September 1878 and premiered at a recital on October 1st of that year, during the 1878 World's Fair in Paris.
Composer Biography
César Franck was a professor of organ at the Paris Conservatoire from 1872 until his death in 1890, influencing the development of French music.
Instruments
The importance of Franck's organ music is directly associated with organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, who revolutionized organ building with innovations like harmonic and string stops, swell boxes, and pneumatic assistance.
Instruments
César Franck described his new organ built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll as 'an orchestra!', highlighting the instrument's rich and modern sound.
Compositional Technique
Franck's Three Chorales differ from Bach's in that they are based on an original, freely composed melody rather than liturgical hymns, and the melody is revealed gradually.
Composer's Artistic Vision
César Franck played a critical role in the resurrection of the organ in France, an instrument whose role had declined since the Revolution of 1789.
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Franck: Organ Works
Franck: Complete Organ Works
César Franck: Complete Organ Works Vol. I
Franck: D'un clavier à l'autre. Douze pièces pour orgue
César Franck – Six Pièces
Franck: Grandes œuvres pour orgue (À l'orgue de l'église Saint-Étienne de Caen)
