Cesar Franck

Cesar Franck was born in Belgium, but lived much of his productive musical life in Paris.   He was one of the premier organists of his day and most of his compositions draw upon the sonority of the organ and the complexity of the contrapuntal style.  

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This Prelude is adapted from one of his major organ works - the Prelude, Fugue and Variation.  It has been masterfully transcribed  by the famous 19th century pianist Harold Bauer.  It works wonderfully well as a piano repertoire piece, but clearly evokes its Grand Organ origin.  Its essential beauty and dignity reflects the life and ideals of Franck himself.