Franck: Prélude, choral et fugue, Prélude, aria et final, Les plaintes d'une poupée & Danse lente

This captivating collection of César Franck's piano works, performed by the renowned Pascal Devoyon, offers a unique blend of the composer's signature romanticism and technical brilliance. Released on October 21, 2022, via Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Franck's enduring influence on the chamber music genre.

The album features eight meticulously crafted tracks, spanning a total duration of 45 minutes. Highlights include the rarely performed "Danse lente" and "Les plaintes d'une poupée," both of which have been newly remastered for this release. The centerpiece of the album is Franck's monumental "Prélude, choral et fugue," a work that showcases the composer's mastery of polyphony and harmonic richness.

Devoyon's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces, with a particular emphasis on the expressive nuances and structural intricacies of Franck's compositions. The album opens with the delicate "Les plaintes d'une poupée," followed by the graceful "Danse lente." The "Prélude, choral et fugue" is presented in its entirety, with each movement—Prélude, Choral, and Fugue—receiving individual tracks for a more immersive listening experience.

The album also includes the "Prélude, aria et final," another remarkable work that demonstrates Franck's ability to blend lyrical melodies with complex counterpoint. Devoyon's performance is marked by a deep understanding of Franck's idiomatic style, resulting in a recording that is both technically impressive and musically compelling.

This album is an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a rare opportunity to explore some of Franck's lesser-known piano works alongside his more celebrated compositions.

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.