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War and the Franckistes

Donald Macleod discusses how Franck and his sons were caught up in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, plus the 'Franckistes', a devoted band of followers in Paris.

What did you do in the war, Papa? In today's programme Donald Macleod finds C茅sar Franck and his sons caught up in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. The composer is now at the head of an adoring band of young composers - Franckistes - eager to learn from the master, even when the public at large was indifferent. In the midst of a siege, Franck volunteers to help keep Paris alive through deliveries of fuel and portions of chocolate. He is also be inspired to start work on his epic choral work, Les Beatitudes which, like most of his works, would endure a disastrous premiere! After the war, Franck's followers would establish the Soci茅t茅 Nationale de Musique. As we'll discover, this was generally good news for the promotion of instrumental music. But as Franck's circle of young composers grew ever wider, a rift would start to appear between C茅sar and his wife Felicit茅, who grew increasingly resentful of their presence. Nevertheless, Franck managed to pen the one song by which he is best known to the world: Panis Angelicus. With his Trois Pi猫ces written for organ, he would also impress audiences in the vast hall of the Trocadero Palace!

1 hour

Music Played

  • C茅sar Franck

    Les Beatitudes - oratorio M.53

    Conductor: Armin Jordan. Performer: David Rendall. Performer: Fran莽ois Loup. Performer: Marcel Vanaud. Performer: French Radio Chorus. Performer: French Radio New Philharmonic Orchestra.
    • ERATO.
    • 3984-24233-2.
  • C茅sar Franck

    Passez, passez toujours M.82

    Performer: Francesca Scaini. Performer: Mattia Ometto.
    • Brilliant Classics.
    • 94457.
  • C茅sar Franck

    Panis angelicus, orch. Renee Challan from Mass, M.61

    Conductor: Eric Ericson. Performer: Barbara Hendricks. Performer: Stockholm Chamber Orchestra.
    • EMI.
    • CDC 7-54098-2.
  • C茅sar Franck

    Les Eolides - symphonic poem M.43

    Conductor: Yan Pascal Tortelier. Performer: 成人快手 Philharmonic.
    • CHANDOS.
    • CHAN-9875.
  • C茅sar Franck

    3 Pieces pour grand orgue, no.2; Cantabile in B major & no.3; Piece heroique in B minor

    Performer: Marie鈥怌laire Alain.
    • ERATO.
    • 0630-12706-2.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 26 Feb 2014 12:00
  • Wed 26 Feb 2014 18:30

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