César Franck (1822–1890): Compositions for Organ – Influences – Legacy Cover Image

César Franck (1822–1890): twórczość kompozytorska na organy – wpływ – dziedzictwo
César Franck (1822–1890): Compositions for Organ – Influences – Legacy

Author(s): Krzysztof Musiał
Subject(s): Music
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Papieskiego Jana Pawła II w Krakowie
Keywords: music; organs; romanticism; French organ school; organ symphony; France; César Franck; Aristide Cavaillé-Coll;

Summary/Abstract: In this text the author talks about topics involving César Franck’s organ music and the influence he and his work had on the French organ music. The first part of the article describes the climate of the organ music in that country before the appearance of the Six pièces author. It also contains a comprehensive description of French organ music of the “classical” and post-revolution periods along with their finest representatives. The second part is about César Franck’s organ music. The beginning showcases highlights from his biography and a short description of his composing and performing style. Next, the author talks about the most important stylistic and structural characteristics of the Sainte-Clotilde organ, constructed by the exceptional builder Cavaillé-Coll. Finally, shortly presented are three of his finest piece collections – Six pièces, Trois pièces and Trois chorals. The next part talks about César Franck’s relations with members of the Paris organ music circle at the time. Showcased are the relationships between the composer and the people he dedicated his organ solo work Six pièces. Briefly described are also contacts between Franck and two brilliant students of Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens. The fourth part describes Franck’s class from the Paris Conservatory, his teaching methods and the influence he had on his students. Presented are also schools of interpreting the Saint-Clotilde organists’ music that have been developed after his death as well as select editions of his works, publications about him and the most prominent recordings. The last part consists of information about the influence that the French organ school and César Franck had on Polish organists and composers such as Mieczysław Surzyński, Feliks Nowowiejski and Bronisław Rutkowski. Also, pointed out is the presence of his works on Polish organ festivals.

  • Issue Year: 20/2022
  • Issue No: 20
  • Page Range: 97-121
  • Page Count: 25
  • Language: Polish
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