Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual journey of César Franck's magnum opus, "Les Béatitudes," a monumental work that the composer himself considered his greatest achievement. This two-volume oratorio, released on January 5, 2024, by Fuga Libera, is a testament to Franck's mastery of sacred music, showcasing his unique blend of rich harmonies and intricate compositions.
"Les Béatitudes" is a sprawling, two-hour exploration of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, featuring a sprawling ensemble of eight soloists, choir, and orchestra. The work is divided into nine tracks, each delving into the blessings and virtues extolled in the Beatitudes, from the meek and the merciful to those who hunger for justice and face persecution. Franck's composition is notable for its depth and complexity, with moments of dense chromaticism and powerful climaxes that underscore the spiritual themes.
The album is performed by the esteemed Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, the Hungarian National Chorus, and conducted by Gergely Madaras, ensuring a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply resonant. Despite the absence of a traditional narrative, the oratorio's spiritual depth and musical richness make it a compelling listen from start to finish.
With a duration of nearly two hours, "Les Béatitudes" is a substantial work that rewards repeated listening. The album's release on Fuga Libera is a significant event for fans of chamber music and sacred choral works, offering a chance to experience Franck's most ambitious and personal composition.
2023 Outhere2023 Outhere – Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège
Tracks
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: PrologueCésar Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, Artavazd Sargsyan
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Première Béatitude. Bienheureux les pauvres d’esprit, parce que le Royaume des cieux est à eux.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Deuxième Béatitude. Bienheureux ceux qui sont doux,parce qu’ils posséderont la terre.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, Anne-Catherine Gillet, Héloïse Mas, John Irvin, Artavazd Sargsyan, Patrick Bolleire, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Troisième Béatitude. Bienheureux ceux qui pleurent, parce qu’ils seront consolés.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, Anne-Catherine Gillet, Héloïse Mas, Eve-Maud Hubeaux, John Irvin, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Quatrième Béatitude. Bienheureux ceux qui ont faim et soif de la justice,parce qu’ils seront rassasiés.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, John Irvin, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Cinquième Béatitude. Heureux les miséricordieux,parce qu’ils obtiendront eux-mêmes miséricorde.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, Artavazd Sargsyan, Anne-Catherine Gillet, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Sixième Béatitude. Bienheureux ceux qui ont le coeur pur, parce qu’ils verront Dieu.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, John Irvin, Artavazd Sargsyan, Patrick Bolleire, Yorck Felix Speer, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Septième Béatitude. Bienheureux les pacifiques, parce qu’ils seront appelés enfants de Dieu.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, Anne-Catherine Gillet, Eve-Maud Hubeaux, John Irvin, Patrick Bolleire, Yorck Felix Speer, David Bizic
Les Béatitudes, CFF 185: Huitième Béatitude. Bienheureux ceux qui souffrent de persécution pour la justice,parce que le Royaume des cieux est à eux.César Franck, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Gergely Madaras, Hungarian National Choir, Csaba Somos, Héloïse Mas, Patrick Bolleire, David Bizic
César Franck, born in Liège, Belgium, was a prominent figure in the Romantic era, renowned for his emotive compositions that significantly shaped French music. As a composer, pianist, organist, and dedicated music teacher, Franck's life paralleled the major musical developments of the 19th century. He spent most of his adult life in Paris, where he served as the organist at Sainte-Clotilde from 1858 until his passing in 1890. Franck's works, though not as prolific as some of his contemporaries, are deeply expressive and technically impressive. His Symphony in D minor is particularly celebrated, showcasing his ability to blend emotional depth with structural ingenuity. Despite being overshadowed by the likes of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, Franck's contributions to chamber music and orchestral works have earned him a respected place in musical history.
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César Franck
