CESAR FRANCK

Cesar Auguste Franck was born in Liege, Belgium on December10, 1822. From the time he was born his father was determined to have him become a concert pianist. When Cesar was very young he was enrolled in the conservatory in their home town and began piano lessons. At the age of twelve Cesar had completed his studies there and in 1835 the family moved to Paris. Cesar was enrolled in the Paris Conservatory and began studies in Counterpoint and Fugue. He began composing and won the First Prize in Fugue in 1838. Cesar performed the Concerto in A minor by Hummel, which was the required test piece. During the sight-reading test, Cesar decided to transpose the piece a third down but Cherbini, who was the judge, refused to award the first prize to the irreverent contestant. The jury however decided to give an award designated: Grand Priz d' honneur to Cesar Franck. It was the only time such an award was given at the Paris Conservatory. While still a student at the Conservatory, Cesar composed three trios that his father directed him to dedicate to H.M. Leopold I, King of Belgium. In April of 1842, Cesar's father abruptly forced him to leave the Conservatory and take up the career of a virtuoso. For the next few years, Cesar gave concerts and taught piano lessons while living at home. These concerts provided his father's source of income. Cesar composed most of his piano works during this time. France had a paternal authority law that required a son to have his father's permission to marry if he wasn't the legal age of 25. Cesar had been in love to a young lady at the conservatory. He finally got married in 1848 and Cesar began a new chapter of his life. Cesar gave up his concert career and became organist of St. Clothilde. He also taught ten hours a day at the conservatory. Cesar composed the famous Symphony in D minor, two operas, the violin sonata, string quartets, and numerous choral works. His pupils included Faure, d'Indy, and many others who called him a teaching saint.