FRANCK, CÉSAR

Franck, César: translation

(10 December 1822, Liège – 8 November 1890, Paris)

A superborganistwho made lasting contributions to the secular concert repertory, Franck published 11 collections of organ works, some very large. TheSix Piècesof 1868, compared byFranz Lisztto the music ofJohann Sebastian Bach, derive from his prodigious improvisations after services. He also composed two grandoratorios, {}Ruth(1843–1846) andLes Béatitudes(1869–1879), fivecantatas, twomasses, 16motets, and fiveoffertories.