César Franck's 'Grande pièce symphonique' prefigures the organ symphonies of later composers like Widor and Vierne.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The 'Prière' and the three Chorales are considered César Franck's musical testament, possessing a spiritual and celestial dimension.
Composition History
The 'Prélude, Fugue & Variation' was originally written for piano and harmonium, but is now one of César Franck's best-known organ scores.
Composition History
The 'Three Pieces' (Fantasy in A, Cantabile, Pièce Héroïque) were composed for the Universal Exhibition and the inauguration of the great organ of the Palais du Trocadéro.
Compositional Technique
The 'Three Pieces' are innovative for their use of pianistic techniques like repeated chords, arabesques, and arpeggios, which were uncommon in organ music at the time.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Basilica Sainte Clotilde in Paris, France, where César Franck served as organist.
Interpretation
Olivier Penin's interpretation of Franck's organ music is inspired by other instrumentalists and aims for a complete musical work, rather than just organ literature.
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César Franck: Complete Organ Works Vol. I
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Franck: D'un clavier à l'autre. Douze pièces pour orgue
