Cesar Franck An Annotated Biography

The materials examined in the present study represent an overview of the scholarship regarding the life and music of César Franck (1822 – 1890) as well as selected sources associated with nineteenth century French music in general. Studies pertaining to other composers and musical genres connected with Franck have been included to offer the researcher more extensive information regarding the composer’s life and times. This monograph is not meant to be an exhaustive collection of material, but rather it consists of a cross section of what has been written about the composer, his music, and the history surrounding him. The purpose of this resource tool is to facilitate further research and deeper inquiry into Franck as a composer, teacher, and organist in addition to his influence upon music history through his works. Every effort has been made to present a variety of views and opinions on the composer and his music when possible and to call the reader’s attention to lesser-known writings by musicians, critics, and scholars from the 19th century to the present day.