CÉSAR FRANCK’S SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS

Background On Franck leading to Paris

Born December 10th 1822 in Liège of Netherlands.

Born to a German parents. Who had ambition for him to become a concert pianist.

He first studied in the conservatory of Liège.

He then moved and studied in 1838 after a year of private study with Anton Reicha.

Life in & after Paris Went to the Paris Conservatory in 1838 Two year stay in Belgium in 1842 Returned to Paris in 1844 & remained

their till his death.

Decided to give up the career goal that his father wanted: a concert pianist.

He did however teach both privately and in an institution.

He also made a living by being a church Organist

And studied to progress his own skills after inspiration from Jacque-Nocholas Lemmons (well known Belgian organist for his technique and compositional possibilities).

In 1858 he became the Organist at Basilica of St. Clotilde, where he stayed their till his death.

Professor….

In 1872 he was the Professor of Organ at the Paris Conservatory.

Some of his students include : Ernest Chausson, Henri Duparc, & Louis Vierne.

For his work he was given the Légion d'honneur

Symphonic Variations History:

written in 1885 use of cyclic unity, with one

theme growing into various others

The piano and orchestra share equally in the continuous evolution of ideas

The work was dedicated to Louis Diémer

Premiered on May 1st 1886 at the Société Nationale de Musique, where it went practically unnoticed

The soloist was Diémer, and the Franck himself conducted.

Tech of the piece/ Form

Roughly 15 minutes long With pairs of flutes,

oboes, clarinets & bassoons

Four horn, trumpets Timpani Strings and solo piano Definitely a theme &

variations Three main sections:

introduction, theme & variations, and the Finale

With a fast-slow-fast layout.

Introduction

Starts with the strings

Theme & Variations

Theme A few Variations

The slow area

Middle section of the piece.

The Finale

Back to a fast tempo with energy from the piano and the winds

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonic_Variations_%28Franck%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Franck

http://library.thinkquest.org/22673/franck.html