I don't think there is a thread specifically for Cesar Franck.
Calling all Franckfurters! :)
I am looking for some recommendations for Franck's chamber music, among other French composers' chamber music.
However, I noticed that alot of the French composers have small chamber music outputs, which means alot of composer combination discs >:(
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 07, 2008, 04:52:08 AM
I am looking for some recommendations for Franck's chamber music, among other French composers' chamber music.
However, I noticed that alot of the French composers have small chamber music outputs, which means alot of composer combination discs >:(
I have these:
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/a4/a6/8ce7c6da8da0254954d81110.L.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51O9nGyXIPL._SS500_.jpg)
Thanks Corey. Those look of great interest to me. The 2nd one on Naxos, I've sampled!! I love both the Franck and Chausson. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting that one.
IMHO, best Franck chamber is his magnificent SQ, one of
the best of the 19th.century. Mi version (excelent) by the Prague City SQ plus the violin son.by Kremer, on Praga CD :D :D
I'm a Franckophile. My faves include, inter alia,
Piano Quintet in F minor
Violin Sonata in A Major
String Quartet
Symphonic Variations for Piano & Orchestra
Prélude, Chorale et Fugue
Prelude, Fugue And Variation, Op.18
Symphony in D Minor
Chasseur Maudit
Les Djinns
Psyche And Eros
Piano Concerto
(http://www.uh.edu/~tkoozin/projects/hitomi/Franck.html)
Nice pun in the title, even if it is nonsensical. I'd prefer Fort Franck though....but then I would, wouldn't I ;D
Sarge
While I'm here, let me put in a plug for my favorite recording of the Symphony:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/gmgpictures/Franck.jpg)
A gloriously broad and majestic performance: Franck as Bruckner.
Sarge
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on January 08, 2008, 02:10:55 PM
While I'm here, let me put in a plug for my favorite recording of the Symphony:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/gmgpictures/Franck.jpg)
A gloriously broad and majestic performance: Franck as Bruckner.
Sarge
Is that available somewhere stateside?
Quote from: O Mensch on January 08, 2008, 03:04:05 PM
Is that available somewhere stateside?
It's available as an ArkivMusic reissue or from various used music vendors:
http://www.amazon.com/C%C3%A9sar-Franck-Symphony-Symphonic-Variations/dp/B0000029KV/r
Fine Arts - Franck's String Quartet and Piano Quintet (http://www.naxos.com/news/default.asp?op=423&displayMenu=Naxos_News&type=2)
I'm highly anticipating this Naxos release by the Fine Arts Quartet. I really love their recording of the Schumann string quartets.
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 03, 2008, 07:55:08 AM
Fine Arts - Franck's String Quartet and Piano Quintet (http://www.naxos.com/news/default.asp?op=423&displayMenu=Naxos_News&type=2)
I'm highly anticipating this Naxos release by the Fine Arts Quartet. I really love their recording of the Schumann string quartets.
That looks very interesting indeed. I'll definitely be buying!
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 07, 2008, 04:52:08 AM
I am looking for some recommendations for Franck's chamber music, among other French composers' chamber music.
However, I noticed that alot of the French composers have small chamber music outputs, which means alot of composer combination discs >:(
As for other French composers' chamber music, I'm enjoying this so far:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61JAFA6EKML._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I'm going to bump this thread up. I'll be honest I used to think that his shit was just too sappy for my tastes, you know that sickly sweet shit, rots out the teeth, but lately I've just been digging him, and am looking for any good recommendations for his music.
This thread has been dormant forever, but I would like to ask for an essential ~few+ Cesar Franck recording recommendations as a smart way in to this composer's work; perhaps my best answers are already here. I'm not sure I've heard any Franck before! It seems unlikely, but there you are.
The Sony reissue of the Giulini SYMPHONY that Sarge mentioned above looks like it might be freshly reissued (on a real CD, let's hope) in April:
[asin]B00B7U5LJ2[/asin]
Franck: SYMPHONY IN D + SYMPHONIC VARIATIONS FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA (Sony)
(The ASIN is B00B7U5LJ2, and is not listed at Amazon US yet; I found a listing with almost no info at Amazon UK.)
Though the exact issue Sarge mentioned seems to be available at this ASIN as well (Amazon UK but not Amazon US):
[asin]B0000ALKQS[/asin]
Also curious to hear how you like that Ansermet/Barenboim Eloquence reissue, Sarge, when you get around to listening to it.
Quote from: Octave on February 16, 2013, 07:24:21 AM
Also curious to hear how you like that Ansermet/Barenboim Eloquence reissue, Sarge, when you get around to listening to it.
I'll be listening soon. Will let you know how it goes.
Sarge
I can recommend this CD, which also has the incredible Le Chasseur Maudit:
[asin]B000003CWX[/asin]
The old Charles Munch/Boston recording with Le Chasseur and the Ernst Chausson Symphony is a barn-burner, if you can find it!
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 07, 2008, 04:48:25 AM
I don't think there is a thread specifically for Cesar Franck.
Calling all Franckfurters! :)
Are you serious? You couped THIS? How can that be? What is wrooong with people? ??? Argh, and here I am trying to find the most famous w/o a thread. :( What? should I start a Cesar Cui thread (Cui Balls?)??
So, what of Franck's Tone Peopms? Will they put me to sleep, or no?
Quote from: snyprrr on February 16, 2013, 08:43:46 AM
So, what of Franck's Tone Peopms? Will they put me to sleep, or no?
It depends how many
peopms you pop! More than three or four could be dangerous! 0:)
On the other hand
Franck's tone poems should not have a soporific effect, or at least the above-recommended
Le Chasseur Maudit could not possibly put anyone to sleep.
Quote from: Cato on February 16, 2013, 12:29:41 PM
On the other hand Franck's tone poems should not have a soporific effect, or at least the above-recommended Le Chasseur Maudit could not possibly put anyone to sleep.
The Munch recording could wake the dead - which would indeed be ironic!
I have recently been asked to review this new CD:
[asin]B0092YHFH6[/asin]
It contains Franck's tone poem
Ce qu'on entend sur la montagne, which has the distinction of being the first tone poem ever composed, beating out Franz Liszt in a squeaker. It's sometimes atmospheric but sometimes not all that interesting, in a generic Germanic way. There is a pretty exciting climax near the end, though.
More interestingly, we have a few choice cuts from the ballet music in the opera
Hulda - again, some dull but some very good - and a recording of the
Symphony which, to my surprise, could stand up to anybody's. The Belgian orchestra is extremely good and Christian Arming offers a big sweeping romantic interpretation. To give you an idea, his timing for the first two movements of the symphony is only five seconds off Bernstein's.
Great performance, especially of Le Chasseur Maudit.
[asin]B000003CWX[/asin]
Since we are in the middle of Lent and Easter now looms, Franck's Psalm 150 is a barn-burner of a choral hymn:
[asin]B000001SGZ[/asin]
There is a Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance as well, but I liked this smaller group.
I have tears in my eyes over this most perfectly realized Thread Title. Would that all were matched up so well...
I just haven't seen this Thread in 5 years?! huh
As for Franck- eh, mm- would his SQ be considered the "Wagner SQ"? Is this what a wagner SQ would have sounded like?
Quote from: snyprrr on March 30, 2014, 11:25:43 AM
I have tears in my eyes over this most perfectly realized Thread Title. Would that all were matched up so well...
I just haven't seen this Thread in 5 years?! huh
As for Franck- eh, mm- would his SQ be considered the "Wagner SQ"? Is this what a Wagner SQ would have sounded like?
Well,
Wagner's SQ is called
The Siegfried Idyll. 0:)
Snyprr: if you have not heard
Le Chasseur Maudit (
The Wild Huntsman), then you are not yet a true musical berserker!
https://www.youtube.com/v/WpKlEmrO_AM
Quote from: Cato on March 30, 2014, 01:48:35 PM
Snyprr: if you have not heard Le Chasseur Maudit (The Wild Huntsman), then you are not yet a true musical berserker!
https://www.youtube.com/v/WpKlEmrO_AM
That's an awesome work. I remember hearing it years ago when I was getting into Franck for the first time. I need to plunge my Franck collection and see what comes up.
I like Franck's organ works. Some pieces are very atmospheric. I can't tell the authenticity of the performance or the instrument, but I think this Hans-Eberhard Roß's set is nice, although the recording level is a bit low.
[asin]B008BDOIP6[/asin]
So far, my favorite is op. 18.
Prelude Fugue et Variation op.18 played by Olena Yuryeva
https://www.youtube.com/v/eOd1RvwqTps
As a youth, I often heard Franck's Symphony in D minor - not an exaggeration to say, I think, that it was then a staple of American, and I believe European, orchestras. One hears it less and less and I fear the slimness of this thread itself is perhaps revelatory of his star's decline. :'(
Anyway, a question for you Franck Forters, those remaining in this noble bastion which seems increasingly to resemble the Alamo, fighting the good fight... I read in the Gramophone Guide 2011, much praise for Tortelier's (Chandos) performance of the Symphony in D minor, a work which for me continues to exert a fascination after 40 years of listening to it. Apparently, Tortelier whips through it five minutes more quickly than two of the other conductor/race horses Chailly and Herbie, and per the Guide, makes it work wonderfully. Have any of you heard it? What do you think? And do I need it? Your thoughts much appreciated!
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on December 28, 2015, 06:24:43 AM
Apparently, Tortelier whips through it five minutes more quickly than two of the other conductor/race horses Chailly and Herbie, and per the Guide, makes it work wonderfully. Have any of you heard it? What do you think? And do I need it? Your thoughts much appreciated!
Take a listen thanks to YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/v/ewtU4_Trw84
There are no fewer than three recordings of the Symphony in the Monteux box. It is no exaggeration to say that this conductor single-handedly sold me on the piece.
[asin]B00MAPMAFQ[/asin]
Quote from: karlhenning on December 28, 2015, 07:44:45 AM
There are no fewer than three recordings of the Symphony in the Monteux box. It is no exaggeration to say that this conductor single-handedly sold me on the piece.
[asin]B00MAPMAFQ[/asin]
Me, too.
Also Fiorentino's recording of the piano music!
Quote from: Cato on December 28, 2015, 07:18:59 AM
Take a listen thanks to YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/v/ewtU4_Trw84
Mille mercis pour votre aide, M. Cato! Worthy performance, indeed, as advertised. Feel a purchase coming on.
Quote from: karlhenning on December 28, 2015, 07:44:45 AM
There are no fewer than three recordings of the Symphony in the Monteux box. It is no exaggeration to say that this conductor single-handedly sold me on the piece.
[asin]B00MAPMAFQ[/asin]
Always knew I should own that treasure box. Thanks, Karl. The fact that Monteux conducted it three times (I have just one recording of it from him) prob. demonstrates his own personal interest in the work as much as it does the (apparently erstwhile) public demand for same. Never forgot the rainy autumn eve I first heard the Symphony on the radio and recognized it as something special and compositionally peculiar. I had already heard his
Chasseur Maudit (as a teen I sought out such titles!)
New Grove, curiously, perhaps tellingly?, devotes to the Symphony nothing more than a few mentions. Fun Fact : it was dedicated to Henri Duparc, so you know
it's got to be good!
I finally managed to obtain this cd,at a reasonable price. Sellers always seem to ask huge prices. I quite like Le Chasseur maudit from one,or two,recordings. Not this one. I haven't heard any of the other music. Anyone familiar with this cd? Cluytens is usually very good in this repertoire. Hopefully,it will be in the described condition ("Very good").
(https://i.imgur.com/deY1YHE.jpg)
Franck's Piano Trio (Trio concertant) no. 1 is an astonishingly assured work for an op. 1, and very forward-looking for 1840 when it was written (the composer was only 18 at the time). The inexorably growing power of the first movement and the passionate ecstasy of the finale are really remarkable. I even think I prefer it to his much better-known and later Piano Quintet.
I do remember the piano trios are stupendous works. I have good memories of them, and especially of the 1st as a deserved masterpiece and as you point out Kyle. Definitely I have to revisit them soon.
I own these recordings:
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/038/MI0001038025.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51J3-Dvb2zL._SX355_.jpg)
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on December 21, 2018, 05:13:41 PM
I do remember the piano trios are stupendous works. I have good memories of them, and especially of the 1st as a deserved masterpiece and as you point out Kyle. Definitely I have to revisit them soon.
I own these recordings:
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/038/MI0001038025.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51J3-Dvb2zL._SX355_.jpg)
This is entirely nonmusical and also entirely silly, but...looking at those CD covers, I have to wonder why they put the before picture with volume 2 and the after picture with volume 1. Usually it's the other way around...
Quote from: kyjo on December 21, 2018, 02:18:48 PM
Franck's Piano Trio (Trio concertant) no. 1 is an astonishingly assured work for an op. 1, and very forward-looking for 1840 when it was written (the composer was only 18 at the time). The inexorably growing power of the first movement and the passionate ecstasy of the finale are really remarkable. I even think I prefer it to his much better-known and later Piano Quintet.
I agree with everything except for the bolded. IMO the Quintet's thematic development is far more assured and the overall work more impactful. Plus, I'm a sucker for those brash strings / poetic piano dialogues. Takács/Hamelin is a great recording.
Quote from: schnittkease on December 21, 2018, 07:01:12 PM
I agree with everything except for the bolded. IMO the Quintet's thematic development is far more assured and the overall work more impactful. Plus, I'm a sucker for those brash strings / poetic piano dialogues. Takács/Hamelin is a great recording.
Duly noted, thanks !
(https://www.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)
This is an absolutely amazing disc! :)
My first exposure to all pieces. Le Chasseur maudit was a knock out. All were great, but the true standout "blown me away" work was actually the Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. Highly recommend this disc!
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 01, 2021, 07:11:51 AM
(https://www.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)
This is an absolutely amazing disc! :)
My first exposure to all pieces. Le Chasseur maudit was a knock out. All were great, but the true standout "blown me away" work was actually the Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. Highly recommend this disc!
Noted, thanks,
Ray!
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 01, 2021, 07:11:51 AM
(https://www.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)
This is an absolutely amazing disc! :)
My first exposure to all pieces. Le Chasseur maudit was a knock out. All were great, but the true standout "blown me away" work was actually the Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. Highly recommend this disc!
Well，"ChamberNut" would have raved on about the Piano Quintet first and foremost. "OrchestralNut" goes for
Le Chasseur maudit and
Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. That sounds fair. ;)
Quote from: springrite on March 01, 2021, 09:15:13 PM
Well，"ChamberNut" would have raved on about the Piano Quintet first and foremost. "OrchestralNut" goes for Le Chasseur maudit and Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. That sounds fair. ;)
:D
Indeed, Paul. It's a reminder for me to have a listen to the Piano Quintet, as I haven't for a long time. And also to the Violin Sonata and String Quartet. :)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 02, 2021, 03:45:24 AM
:D
Indeed, Paul. It's a reminder for me to have a listen to the Piano Quintet, as I haven't for a long time. And also to the Violin Sonata and String Quartet. :)
Speaking of the Piano Quintet, as of a result of Paul's friendly nudging, I have just finished listening to it. It has been several years since I heard this work, and boy is that a real shame. What a marvelous, sumptuous, Romantic chamber work.
What a delight to revisit.
Performed by the Quatuor Ludwig, with Michael Levinas on the piano (Naxos).
Thank you Paul. :)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 02, 2021, 03:45:24 AM
:D
Indeed, Paul. It's a reminder for me to have a listen to the Piano Quintet, as I haven't for a long time. And also to the Violin Sonata and String Quartet. :)
The
Vn Sonata is great! Heard it in a virtual concert a few weeks ago.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 02, 2021, 09:29:14 AM
The Vn Sonata is great! Heard it in a virtual concert a few weeks ago.
Review: Emory streams All-Star Trio concert, reduced to Duo for on-demand viewing (https://www.earrelevant.net/2021/01/emory-streams-all-star-trio-concert-reduced-to-duo-for-on-demand-viewing/)
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 02, 2021, 01:08:29 PM
Review: Emory streams All-Star Trio concert, reduced to Duo for on-demand viewing (https://www.earrelevant.net/2021/01/emory-streams-all-star-trio-concert-reduced-to-duo-for-on-demand-viewing/)
Thanks for posting this,
Karl. Sounds like it was a wonderful evening of music making!
Quote from: springrite on March 01, 2021, 09:15:13 PM
Well，"ChamberNut" would have raved on about the Piano Quintet first and foremost. "OrchestralNut" goes for Le Chasseur maudit and Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. That sounds fair. ;)
I have always thought that this recording of :
Le Chasseur Maudit was one of the greatest performances of anything!
As was the performance of the
Chausson Symphony!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODE4OTcyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzY3ODc1ODd9)
For Lent,
Franck's Psalm 150 is not to be missed!
https://www.youtube.com/v/8ilGVrSto1g
Quote from: Cato on March 02, 2021, 05:10:09 PM
I have always thought that this recording of :Le Chasseur Maudit was one of the greatest performances of anything!
As was the performance of the Chausson Symphony!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODE4OTcyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzY3ODc1ODd9)
+1 for that recording - my introduction to both works. Those Boston horns really do sound as if they are summoning the hounds of hell!
Quote from: Roasted Swan on March 03, 2021, 07:59:37 AM
+1 for that recording - my introduction to both works. Those Boston horns really do sound as if they are summoning the hounds of hell!
Somebody placed a recording of the live 1959 performance on YouTube: rumored to be even more demonic!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfspAet0Btk
That leaves cover looked familiar and I was pretty sure I had the Chausson symphony but not the Chausseur... as it turns out the Japanese CD issue uses the cover but Chausson's Poème and a piece by D'Indy as fillers, so the Chausseur was left in the forêt.
In the historical Franck corner, there's also a rather feverish 'Les Djinns' with Richter & Kondrashin.
EDIT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV0tmB17EI8 (1952)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Djinns_(Franck)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jinn
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 05, 2021, 08:07:28 AM
In the historical Franck corner, there's also a rather feverish 'Les Djinns' with Richter & Kondrashin.
Très intéressant!
Whoops! Try this!
quote author=Cato link=topic=5244.msg1352744#msg1352744 date=1614899818]
Somebody placed a recording of the live 1959 performance on YouTube: rumored to be even more demonic!
https://www.youtube.com/v/tfspAet0Btk
[/quote]
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 01, 2021, 07:11:51 AM
(https://www.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)
This is an absolutely amazing disc! :)
My first exposure to all pieces. Le Chasseur maudit was a knock out. All were great, but the true standout "blown me away" work was actually the Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra. Highly recommend this disc!
Listening to this fabulous disc again.
Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra is such a gorgeous work, a vocal work that I actually enjoy! A vocal work for people who don't like vocal works. :D In the eight movements, only three have vocals.
I can't seem to be able to express how wonderful this disc is.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 25, 2021, 08:37:50 AM
Listening to this fabulous disc again. Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra is such a gorgeous work, a vocal work that I actually enjoy! A vocal work for people who don't like vocal works. :D In the eight movements, only three have vocals.
I can't seem to be able to express how wonderful this disc is.
I only have the Chandos recording of the complete
Psyche with Otaka; my general impression is that Otaka is probably not a conductor that brings the most exalted dimensions of a work into being, neither in Rachmaninov, for example.
Would anyone care to recommend me recordings of César Franck's Symphony in D minor? I have one that I like a lot, Maazel with the RSO Berlin. But I would love to hear another, now that I'm getting to really appreciate the work.
Quote from: vers la flamme on August 01, 2021, 03:30:14 PM
Would anyone care to recommend me recordings of César Franck's Symphony in D minor? I have one that I like a lot, Maazel with the RSO Berlin. But I would love to hear another, now that I'm getting to really appreciate the work.
Personally, I like my Franck
Symphony in d minor a little more muscular, so I first turn to the classic Pierre Monteux with Chicago on RCA (1961 stereo) or Charles Munch with Boston also on RCA. After that, I look towards Stokowski (I think Phase 4), Ormandy, and Beecham. Tastes prevail, though.
Quote from: VonStupp on August 01, 2021, 03:39:38 PM
Personally, I like my Franck Symphony in d minor a little more muscular, so I first turn to the classic Pierre Monteux with Chicago on RCA (1961 stereo) or Charles Munch with Boston also on RCA. After that, I look towards Stokowski (I think Phase 4), Ormandy, and Beecham. Tastes prevail, though.
I have been looking at both the Munch and Monteux. I'll have to check them out.
Quote from: VonStupp on August 01, 2021, 03:39:38 PM
Personally, I like my Franck Symphony in d minor a little more muscular, so I first turn to the classic Pierre Monteux with Chicago on RCA (1961 stereo) or Charles Munch with Boston also on RCA. After that, I look towards Stokowski (I think Phase 4), Ormandy, and Beecham. Tastes prevail, though.
Excellent recommendations. Monteux and Munch are mandatory listening. I also like Ansermet a lot.
Quote from: vers la flamme on August 01, 2021, 03:30:14 PM
Would anyone care to recommend me recordings of César Franck's Symphony in D minor? I have one that I like a lot, Maazel with the RSO Berlin. But I would love to hear another, now that I'm getting to really appreciate the work.
Definitely the Monteux with Chicago Symphony.
I also have Karajan Berlin which I quite like a lot as well. Better than one might expect.
This is one of my favourite symphonies of any composer. Hearing it performed live in concert was a revelation.
What happened to Franck's Piano Concerto No. 1? I've only ever seen recordings of No. 2, and even on the upcoming "complete orchestral works" set mentioned in the new releases thread there's only reference to No. 2.
Quote from: Maestro267 on February 23, 2022, 05:15:45 AM
What happened to Franck's Piano Concerto No. 1? I've only ever seen recordings of No. 2, and even on the upcoming "complete orchestral works" set mentioned in the new releases thread there's only reference to No. 2.
It's a very early work (1834), one of a bunch he collectively disowned later. It guess it's lost.
Any favorite recordings/box sets of the organ works? I do not know much about organ music, it is a personal blind spot (especially because my preference for organ music runs towards "loud and rib-cage-rattling"). Looking at several complete Franck organ boxes that are on sale for the anniversary year but wanted any expert advice that is available in addition to sound samples.
Quote from: Brian on October 16, 2022, 05:23:33 PMAny favorite recordings/box sets of the organ works? I do not know much about organ music, it is a personal blind spot (especially because my preference for organ music runs towards "loud and rib-cage-rattling"). Looking at several complete Franck organ boxes that are on sale for the anniversary year but wanted any expert advice that is available in addition to sound samples.
Bump.
Brian, did you ever settle on any particular Franck organ sets since this post (despite the absence of recommendations at the time).
Isoir has helped me breaking into Bach's organ music and having sampled some of his other records on Idagio, I have found his Franck to be engrossing (Idagio only has one of his two Franck albums).
I'd welcome other recommendations of other sets too.
I did not receive any recommendations but purchased the Joris Verdin set on Ricercar, using big Cavaille-Coll organs from Franck's time. Have not listened to any of it, yet, however. As sometimes happens with CDCDCD sufferers ;D
One thing to note about Verdin, if collecting the physical edition, is that the CD sleeves are covered entirely in artwork - no indication of what music is on what disc. So you need to listen with booklet in hand at all times. That has caused my delay getting to it.
Quote from: Brian on February 03, 2023, 05:42:12 AMI did not receive any recommendations but purchased the Joris Verdin set on Ricercar, using big Cavaille-Coll organs from Franck's time. Have not listened to any of it, yet, however. As sometimes happens with CDCDCD sufferers ;D
One thing to note about Verdin, if collecting the physical edition, is that the CD sleeves are covered entirely in artwork - no indication of what music is on what disc. So you need to listen with booklet in hand at all times. That has caused my delay getting to it.
Noted, thank you Brian. I have found Verdin's set on Idagio. I'll save it for a listen.
Cross-posted on the WAYLTL thread. Did a comparison of four versions of the Franck D minor symphony (from my CD collection):
Orchestre National de France
Leonard Bernstein(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZSDEWZJQL.jpg)
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Pierre Monteux(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513+dBa0MWL._UX358_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Charles Munch(https://i.discogs.com/u-8qsqvKZoFR5yvBGtF5bbNNWPgAqJLZR6vSBQE8ZuQ/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:595/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTQ0NzAy/MTMtMTY0NTc0MTI4/OS05MTQ5LmpwZWc.jpeg)
Philadelphia Orchestra
Riccardo Muti(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81XqtVoF84L._SL1422_.jpg)
I have since discovered I had a fifth: Ozawa/Boston SO (thanks
Karl!) which I'm going to have to dig out and listen to. Here are my initial thoughts of the four I did listen to:
QuoteI can see why Monteux/Chicago is one of the reference recordings - taut and exciting, and heart-on-sleeve passionate when it needed to be. I also enjoyed Muti/Philadelphia quite a bit - really outstanding playing. Less so Bernstein/ONF - it was just too slow and had some real dead spots. Munch/Boston was OK, but not well recorded at all.
Others mentioned Bernstein's first recording with the New York Phil, the above Ozawa/BSO recording, and a recent recording with Alain Altinoglu and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. I'm curious about the one with Christian Arming and the Liege orchestra that's part of the Franck complete orchestral works on Fuga Libera that was released to mark the bicentennial of his birth. I also used to have Jesus Lopez-Cobos on Telarc with the Cincinnati Symphony, a performance I remember enjoying.
What are some of your favorite performances of the Franck D minor, whether it's one mentioned here or another recording entirely?
Does anyone have this set? Looks tantalizing!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMxNTMxMS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODAwMDE5Mjl9)
Is anyone here having a recording of Cesar Franck's last opera "Ghiselle"?
There was never a proper CD release, but there was a recorded live performancec in Amsterdam in the late 80s. I know occasionally radios play that performance and Franck fans record that.
I would really love to listen to "Ghiselle".
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on December 12, 2024, 09:41:06 AMDoes anyone have this set? Looks tantalizing!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMxNTMxMS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODAwMDE5Mjl9)
Who is the conductor ?
In the Liège Phil box of 50 CDs are very fine performances of the symphony by Pierre Bartholomée and Louis Langrée. Still with the Liège Phil but released later is my current favourite, with Christian Arming. Monteux' legendary Chicago performance still holds sway despite slightly tubby sound.
Not to be overlooked is Toscanini's NBC disc (a composite of 2 performances), with an incredibly tense, black, inky intro by the low strings. Munch has performed it many times, and his Boston RCA performance is very fine, although not the last word (he was more 'on' in Prague and Rotterdam). Franck's symphony is incredibly
constructed, yet Munch had a way of deconstructing it that laid bare its fundamentals in almost indecent fashion.
Franck's symphony is rarely performed these days, but in the middle of the last century it was played by everybody. Ansermet, Klemperer and Beecham are quite fine, if conventional. Maazel, Silvestri, Karajan, Stokowski, Muti: they are all okay, each with a distinctive pov. Furtwängler is for candidates to martyrdom. Avoid the new Barenboim at all costs. It's a fraud.
To works its magic the symphony has to bolt out of the starting blocks (after the slow introduction) and not look back. Everybody has Monteux, which is as it should be. Complementing it with one of the Liège recordings (all in superb sound) and Munch (Prague or Boston) should suffice.
Quote from: André on December 12, 2024, 04:59:08 PMWho is the conductor ?
In the Liège Phil box of 50 CDs are very fine performances of the symphony by Pierre Bartholomée and Louis Langrée. Still with the Liège Phil but released later is my current favourite, with Christian Arming. Monteux' legendary Chicago performance still holds sway despite slightly tubby sound.
Not to be overlooked is Toscanini's NBC disc (a composite of 2 performances), with an incredibly tense, black, inky intro by the low strings. Munch has performed it many times, and his Boston RCA performance is very fine, although not the last word (he was more 'on' in Prague and Rotterdam). Franck's symphony is incredibly constructed, yet Munch had a way of deconstructing it that laid bare its fundamentals in almost indecent fashion.
Franck's symphony is rarely performed these days, but in the middle of the last century it was played by everybody. Ansermet, Klemperer and Beecham are quite fine, if conventional. Maazel, Silvestri, Karajan, Stokowski, Muti: they are all okay, each with a distinctive pov. Furtwängler is for candidates to martyrdom. Avoid the new Barenboim at all costs. It's a fraud.
To works its magic the symphony has to bolt out of the starting blocks (after the slow introduction) and not look back. Everybody has Monteux, which is as it should be. Complementing it with one of the Liège recordings (all in superb sound) and Munch (Prague or Boston) should suffice.
Thanks André. Oh yes, I have an ADORE the Monteux CSO performance of the symphony. The Franck Symphony is a top 5 favourite symphony of mine (for any composer).
As for conductors in the Liege box set, it is multiple. For the symphony, it is the one you mentioned: Christian Arming. Other conductors for other works include Pierre Bleuse, Hervé Niquet,François-Xavier Roth,Gergely Madaras.
Highly and enthusiastically recommended by Hurwitz on his YouTube channel.
I have the singleton Christian Arming symphony album (with very rare fillers) and it really is superb.
Quote from: André on December 12, 2024, 04:59:08 PM[..]
Avoid the new Barenboim at all costs. It's a fraud.
[..]
Could you elaborate, please?
Barenboim's tempi are lethargic beyond endurance, attacks are spongy and the whole thing is bereft of any hint of volatility. It's on YT, so you can see if it's to your taste or not.
Just ordered these two sets. So looking forward to this. The samples were amazing.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMxNTMxMS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODAwMDE5Mjl9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMxODY1NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NDYzMTY5OTR9)
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on December 18, 2024, 04:26:24 PMJust ordered these two sets. So looking forward to this. The samples were amazing.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMxNTMxMS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODAwMDE5Mjl9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMxODY1NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NDYzMTY5OTR9)
As I mentioned to you on the 'other' forum, those sets are fantastic. I hope you enjoy Franck's music. Out of curiosity, is this your first foray into his music?
Quote from: Vox Maris on December 18, 2024, 05:26:40 PMAs I mentioned to you on the 'other' forum, those sets are fantastic. I hope you enjoy Franck's music. Out of curiosity, is this your first foray into his music?
No. I know his main works well (Symphony, Le Chasseur Maudit, the "big three" chamber works). ALL first class music in my opinion. I don't know any of his organ music, but I'm not much of an organ music person. Same for vocal/opera.
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on December 18, 2024, 05:32:21 PMNo. I know his main works well (Symphony, Le Chasseur Maudit, the "big three" chamber works). ALL first class music in my opinion. I don't know any of his organ music, but I'm not much of an organ music person. Same for vocal/opera.
Oh, you're in for a real treat. I revisited
Psyché last night and it was hugely enjoyable. Like you, I have no interest in his organ music, but I do rather enjoy several of the vocal works I've heard. I also enjoyed his solo piano works (he didn't compose much in this genre).
Quote from: Vox Maris on December 18, 2024, 05:44:44 PMOh, you're in for a real treat. I revisited Psyché last night and it was hugely enjoyable.
Psyché is fabulous! :) I have this terrific recording.
(https://cdn.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on December 19, 2024, 04:16:29 AMPsyché is fabulous! :) I have this terrific recording.
(https://cdn.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)
Yes, indeed. I own that recording as well.
Anyone with favourite recordings for the solo piano works? Not that Franck wrote very much for solo piano. It can fit on less than a very full disc.
Heard great things about Hough (Hyperion). Wondering about Lazar (Hanssler), Korstick (CPO), or Isoir (Muso), if anyone has heard those?
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyOTU0Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2OTUwODE3MjZ9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTUxMjY0MC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2OTAyNzg5NzR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODU0NzcyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTEzMDg4MTR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODg5MDg3My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjYxODE3NTR9)
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 05, 2025, 05:41:44 PMAnyone with favourite recordings for the solo piano works? Not that Franck wrote very much for solo piano. It can fit on less than a very full disc.
Heard great things about Hough (Hyperion). Wondering about Lazar (Hanssler), Korstick (CPO), or Isoir (Muso), if anyone has heard those?
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyOTU0Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2OTUwODE3MjZ9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTUxMjY0MC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2OTAyNzg5NzR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODU0NzcyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTEzMDg4MTR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODg5MDg3My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjYxODE3NTR9)
A good question that I'd like to know myself.
All I own of his solo piano music is from the last disc from this box set on the Musique en Wallonie label with pianist Dominique Cornil:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xJEAAOSwTfJkv-mu/s-l1600.webp)
Quote from: Duke Bluebeard on January 10, 2025, 06:08:27 PMA good question that I'd like to know myself.
All I own of his solo piano music is from the last disc from this box set on the Musique en Wallonie label with pianist Dominique Cornil:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xJEAAOSwTfJkv-mu/s-l1600.webp)
I ended up ordering the Hough disc. Hasn't arrived yet.
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 10, 2025, 06:10:45 PMI ended up ordering the Hough disc. Hasn't arrived yet.
Cool. I'm not fond of Hough's pianism, but I hope you enjoy it. The Korstick recording on CPO looks interesting.
To be released on 11 September:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTgwMDMyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6NDMyfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3NTQzMTYyNjZ9)
The Grande Pièce Symphonique is an arrangement for organ and orchestra by Zsigmond Szathmáry. Looking forward to encountering this curiosity, especially. The Widor has been recorded before on Dutton Epoch.