Presents
César Franck
Piano Quintet in f minor
César Franck, even today, is remembered not only as the father of modern French music, but also for his Symphony in d minor. His chamber music, unfortunately, has in modern times been unjustly shoved to the side and forgotten. Franck (1822-1890) was, during his lifetime also known as one of the best organists in the world. He was also a piano virtuoso and in later life as a professor at the Paris Conservatory became an important teacher. Among his many students were Vincent d'Indy and Ernest Chausson.
Franck’s Piano Quintet in f minor dates from 1879, The dedicatee of the work and the pianist at the premiere in January 1880, was Camille Saint-Saëns. It is in three expansive movements. The first movement, Molto moderato, quasi lento—Allegro, begins with a slow rhapsodic introduction that alternates between two contrasting ideas: a dramatic recitative-like gesture in the strings and a gentler, more lyrical melody in the piano. The opening theme of the Allegro proper is dominated by the dotted rhythms. The second theme, marked tenero ma con passion is introduced by the piano This theme recurs in each of the other movements, contributing to the cyclic form that Is characteristic in virtually all of Franck’s mature compositions. It returns in the middle of the second movement, a simple Lied, as well as at the end of the finale. At one time, this quintet was almost performed as often as those of Schumann, Dvorak and Brahms but has gone out of fashion, so it seems, in the last several decades. However, audiences always seem to like it and it can be managed by experienced amateurs without too much difficulty.
Parts: $39.95
