Franck Piano Quintet

[jhnbrbr]

Here is a full performance of a work very dear to my heart. But how did the mild-mannered organist of St Clotilde come to compose such a sizzlingly erotic outpouring of raw emotion in the first place? One theory is that he had fallen deeply in love with his student Augusta Holmes, and expressed his intense feelings in the only way he could -through music. Ronald Harwood expored this idea fully in his very entertaining historical novel "Cesar and Augusta" (Methuen 1978). Whatever the motivation, the end product was a work of bold originality and dark beauty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMP7t-kU_fk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSPuomUNlts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzPRWT5Jkyg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr-8gAzfZ5o

[wljmrbill]

very well performed with such great expressiveness by the musicians individually and as a group...they draw into the music as they play. definately deep feelings expressed

[dll927]

Then how did the "mild-mannered organist" compose the Final in B-flat? That's a romp if there ever was one. That opening preoration on the pedals gives one quite an exercise, and the piece doesn't much stop for breath for a dozen or so minutes.

It's rather interesting that Franck has come down as such a star, because he seemingly wasn't that highly regarded during his lifetime. It's said that Franz Liszt heard him play and was very impressed.

[jhnbrbr]

It's rather interesting that Franck has come down as such a star, because he seemingly wasn't that highly regarded during his lifetime. It's said that Franz Liszt heard him play and was very impressed.

He was certainly no celebrity! I think he achieved recognition as an organist, but not as a composer during his lifetime. After the success of his string quartet he is reputed to have said "I think the public are beginning to understand me" - but that was only a short time before his death! I think he is still underrated, even today.

[Contratrombone64]

devine - thanks

[JemsRoker]

Very well performance. It's an interesting that Franck has come down as such a star here. I want to give you all a thank, for your friendly discussion.

[allegro]

What a fine perfornmance of a gorgeous composition.

[jhnbrbr]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I was sure that that was the best recording of this work currently on Youtube, but I've since come across the following (first movement only) which certainly gives it a run for its money. All the more remarkable because the performers this time are five fourteen-year-old girls!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTaRAD599LQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAPtAvrn1IA