Franck: Prélude, fugue et variation; organ works transcribed for piano

On this CD:

1. Prélude, fugue, et variations, for piano & harmonium, or 2 pianos, Op. 18, M. 30a
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

2. Pastorale, for organ in E major, Op. 19, M. 31
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

3. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

4. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

5. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

6. Fantasy (Second Fantasy), for piano, in D major
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

7. Final, for organ in B flat major, Op. 21, M. 33
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Michael Frohnmeyer

Customer Reviews:

Franck's Music Elevated by the Piano.......2007-06-06

The name Cesar Franck would most likely be listed alongside Widor and Lefebure-Wely, who are some of the great organist-composers of the 19th century. Although in his youth, Franck wrote some outstanding virtuoso pieces and miniatures for the piano. For those early piano works, check out these recordings: Franck: Music for Piano and Piano Duos for Four Hands. But as the liner-notes point out, "from 1846 to 1884 he wrote almost nothing for the instrument..." It's perplexing, but thankfully a handful of transcribers have made his organ works sound like original, sonorous and engrossing piano compositions. Such transcriptions are featured on this disc, and most are world-premiere recordings.

Harold Bauer's transcription of the "Prelude, fugue et variation," was such a success that Emile Bosquet, of the Musique de clavier, said: "the original work for piano and harmonium was less effective than this excellent arrangement." Indeed, this is an exceptional and totally faithful adaptation of the original music to the world of piano tone. The music itself is Franck's finest, full of the highest degree of beauty and expressive power. Bauer's efforts with the Pastorale Op. 19 are also worthy. The Andantino first section sounds like no other piano music with its organ-like bass harmonies and mystical melodies. Another excellent transcriber is Jacques Durand, the son of Franck's main publisher of organ works, who shows surprising care and craft with the transcription of the Piece heroique. This first piece from the Three Chorals is full-blooded Romantic music, notable for its lyrical arpeggios and high melodic profile. It sounds quite Brahmsian at times, especially in the central section. J. Jemain was assigned with transcribing some of Franck's organ works and gives us a lovely Cantabile. The mood of this piece is of quietude and beautiful yearning. One of the recurring melodic fragments sounds like something out of the Adagio (second movement) from Brahms's First Piano Concerto. This piece fits so well to the piano, and there's no need to compare it with the original organ version.

The two Fantasies recorded here are the most lengthy (both surpassing 12 minutes) and are supremely marvelous creations. Franck's outpouring of ideas and the multiple themes suggest that these works are an example of Franck's improvisation. Both Fantasies are almost sectional: Franck works through one series of ideas and then, inspired by specific motifs, starts a new departure. These Fantasies start wonderfully simple, but once Franck moves deeper, he uncovers moments of profundity and Bach-like spirituality. Each Fantasy moves forward with such seamlessness that the music seems like an ongoing meditation, with occasional violent outbursts. In the middle of the Second Fantasy, for instance, there are turbulent moments that reach hair-raising percussive explosions, thanks to the piano. Since these Fantasies exude a complete improvisatory nature, perhaps the liner-notes speak better than I: "All witnesses are in agreement: Franck's improvisations were the work of an architect with almost superhuman powers, unspoiled by a single unnecessary note or effect."

Bottom line: There are numerous recordings of the more famous piano transcriptions of Franck, and I would recall Stephen Hough and Alexander Paley: CÃ©sar Franck: Piano Music and Franck Piano Transcriptions: Violin Sonata; Pastorale. But Michael Frohnmeyer is just as commendable for his phenomenal virtuosity and melting lyricism. Beyond that, the present recording is the only one I am aware of that contains the two Fantasies, in addition to the rare Final and the Cantabile. Franck fans rejoice; Franck novices explore these treasures immediately.

Franck: Prélude, fugue et variation; organ works transcribed for piano

Average customer rating:

Franck Piano Music

Franck: Prélude, fugue et variation; organ works transcribed for piano

Manufacturer: Cypres
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004S983
Release Date: 2000-03-15

Customer Reviews:

Franck Piano Music.......2002-06-22

If you admire the piano music of Belgian composer Cesar Franck, then you'll certainly want to own this disc. It consists of transcriptions for piano of his great pieces for organ and harmonium. The transcriptions were done between 1909 and 1912 by extremely competent Frenchmen. Frohnmeyer's performances are excellent, and the sound is good on the nice Belgian label Cypres. At almost 70min running time, the disc is a good value for the $$. Franck's piano music was the first in France to rival the gravitas and dignity of Beethoven's; "Prelude, fugue et variation," for example, is a perennial favorite with its haunting melody.

Music Track:

Music Track

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