César Franck - Prélude, Fugue et Variation, Op. 18 (1862)

César Auguste-Jean-Guillaume-Hubert Franck (10 December 1822 - 8 November 1890) was a Romantic composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher who worked in Paris during his adult life.
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Prelude, Fugue et Variation in B minor, Op. 18 for Organ (1859-62)
Transcribed for piano solo by Harold Bauer
Dedication: à son ami monsieur Camille Saint-Saëns
Pianist unknown
Description by Meredith Gailey [-]
César Franck's Prélude, fugue et variations has become a popular work among organists and is familiar to music lovers even though they may not know its title or composer. Written in 1862, it is a part of the larger Six Pièces pour le Grand Orgue. After having worked as organist at the parish of Saint-Jean-Saint-François for seven years, Franck obtained the same appointment at Sainte-Clotilde, where he had been choirmaster for some time. It was at the latter church that he received his inspiration for Prélude. At his new post, he met with a monumental artistic challenge when the inventor-builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll finished construction on a three-manual grand organ for the church in 1859. For the dedication of this instrument on December 19 of the same year, Franck played his Final in B Flat Major, Op. 21. His attachment to this particular organ was so great that it inspired him to immediately compose Six Pièces pour le Grand Orgue (1860-1862), which he followed with Trois Pièces pour le Grand Orgue (1878) and Trois Chorals (1890). These works were written at the height of the Romantic organ's popularity, which stretched between 1830 and 1930. This period's most popular organists were Charles-Marie Widor, Alexandre Pierre François Boëly, Louis Lefébure-Wély and of course, Franck, who in time became known as the only true "equal" of Johann Sebastian Bach as a composer for the organ. The Prélude was dedicated to Camille Saint-Saëns. The two men had similar posts and influences, and had both studied with François Benoist at the Paris Conservatoire.

[@Marie-en1pt]

Wonderful ! Dear Bartje, could you tell us who is the pianist? Thank you :)

[@bartjebartmans]

This is a video from my old channel which got terminated together with the info. I simply don't know anymore........I am hoping somebody recognizes the recording.

[@vincentfartek64]

I think that this version is played by Nicolaï Lugansky

[@poti0909]

@@vincentfartek64 I agree with you absolutely.

[@bartjebartmans]

It was not Lugansky. It was a French pianist.

[@alcidesrios7222]

This is awesome love it. Thanks for the upload.

[@ac-bh8pj]

I used to play this for my daughter when she was little. on a compact disk player. unfortunately I have never learned to play piano. but she would dance. it was so nice. she was so little. and amber California sunlight filled the room. I am happy that I have been blessed with that memory.

[@elenakonovalova17]

So wonderful piece!

[@karamia1392]

My mum played it for me too when I was a kid by special request. I called it ‘The Moon Walk Music’. ❤

[@andacomfeeuvou]

I had a girlfriend twenty five years ago and that was our song. The courtship lasted only six months. But I could never forget her because I love this masterpiece and every time I listen to it I remember her.

[@pianogus]

Dude, that's gangster! I hope you found/find new love to share the aesthetically magisterial power and weakness of masterpieces like these!

[@vt2637]

0:00 Prelude 4:34 Fugue 7:55 Variations

[@alinorsky5161]

Это так красиво, что и словами не передать... Столько чувств, столько воспоминаний и надежды. 😥💜

[@perfectblue8443]

I used to totally ignore Cesar Frank and his music. Until I stumbled upon the Prelude, choral et Fugue. Then this piece. There is an indescribable feeling of melancholy and nostalgia, the kind of stuff that opens old wounds you didn't even know you had, or wanted to forget about. And to me it's also a plea to God, at a time when he was claimed to be dead by some visionary philosopher. The nostalgia of man, of God.

[@Mazurking]

What an incredible masterpiece of the highest melodic genius.

[@emrahkorkmaz87]

I could listen to this almost the whole day long!

I did a 7 hour trip where I just listened to this on repeat. For the whole 7 hours...

[@cezarfreysleben5911]

Absolutely breathtaking. And enventhough Cesar Franck originally wrote it for the organ, this piece sounds incredibly pianistic.

[@samijunnonen8619]

The original version is for piano and harmonium. 😊

[@literaine6550]

This music takes me to a place I never knew there was.

[@PaulHummerman]

I'm in love with this piece - and I suspect Franck was in love too.

[@InfinityGamingYT1]

After listening to this, I am unable to return to the original organ edition, just because the piano give this piece it's colour. I am amazed.

[@sofiae8123]

Thank you for posting this. A beautiful performance!!!

[@bonobo2go]

Just beautiful....I've probably heard it lots (as a fan of organ recitals)...but my true attention to this wonderful piece only focussed last Wednesday at an organ recital at St Paul's Hall, Huddersfield given by Alexander Woodrow of Bradford Cathedral. I was totally captivated, immersed in the prelude. And now I find I love it equally on piano - it's just divine.....thank you :-)

[@Highinsight7]

+bonobo2go agreed!!!!

[@fredvacher3998]

Thank you so much for the post. It s marvellously played. So inspired....

[@riccardo4134]

Masterpiece with no doubts. It discloses some of the most romantic but unique sound of all times together. Like only Cesar Franck can do it. The development of the elements is excellent in his unmistakable style. Thanks Cesar for this gift, may your soul rest in peace.

[@lerippletoe6893]

I would call it a beautiful reawareness of the baroque. But listening to the beginning it would pass in film sort of music today.

[@socraticmusic]

When I visited Paris, I took special care to go visit Franck's grave. Was very meaningful for me

[@riccardo4134]

@bill Bloggs I think you are commenting on the wrong post mate... I mean we didn't mention any sort of movies above. 😁

[@user-74652]

This is a very beautiful arrangement.

[@changlhee3561]

Sample melody is ringing my heart!!

[@annwell9477]

Merci beaucoup pour ce partage. Une si belle musique !

[@nervenerd]

One of the most romantic melodies in the world.

[@GUSTAVOMARZANO]

Muchas gracias por tan gran belleza !!!

[@andreagriseri7656]

One of my favourite pieces of music! It sounds good transcribed for piano as well !

[@les3jedis]

Paisible, tu m' enchantes ... de tes pas qui raisonnent sur les pavés de mon coeur.

[@MyGustavo2012]

This wonderful rendition lives beyond mere "interpretation". It deals with and re-descovers mysteries once again unknown concealed within this piece of complex, unfathonable beauty...

[@danielpasterp5837]

Cesar Franck a true genius!

[@Highinsight7]

+Daniel Pasterp YES! and originally for the organ...

[@danielpasterp5837]

Yes!

[@Highinsight7]

+Daniel Pasterp Although... I'm primarily a pianist... I played the complete organ works of Franck (on the organ) about ten years ago...

[@danielpasterp5837]

That's great! I'm no musician I just play a little bit harmonica but I love classical and baroque musics!

[@Highinsight7]

Me too Daniel!

[@TheProms]

Priceless.

[@enriqueali]

What a lovely Prelude!! 😍😍😍

[@thedevilsreject23]

Beautiful- I’ve never until now heard it on the piano as I have always performed it on the organ 👏🏻🍻🥃

[@jjsc3334]

so beautiful...

[@oliviergauthe8860]

Difficile à jouer mais qu'est-ce qu'elle est magnifique cette musique!

[@MsKassol]

Gorgeous. Great. This is my favorite piece for organ. I dream of playing it on the piano. I am very grateful to you for this public. It`s a huge support. I am self-taught, your help is very valuable to me. Health and happiness to you

[@emrahkorkmaz87]

Bedankt hiervoor Bartje Bartmans!

[@francoisepirmez9380]

J'aime beaucoup.Merci.

[@robertbairdmusic]

Such beautiful music!

[@chrisgromberg614]

Durch den Defa Film "Die Beunruhigung" bin ich auf die wundervolle Musik aufmerksam geworden. Die Klavier Variante geht mir auch unter die Haut, aber Orgelmusik bleibt mein Favorit. ❤

[@anahobintie]

great recording

[@carmenaballi]

Que belleza de música.

[@fredericchopin7538]

Marvelous!

[@jacqueslahondere4649]

quelle élégance! c'est magnifique d'entendre une si belle musique

¡Qué maravilla! ¡Qué emoción!

[@emrahkorkmaz87]

This is very beautiful.

[@valeriykhasyanov9011]

Спасибо ❤

[@adalbertogomesdossantos4545]

Magnífico!

[@Cristian61288]

Que belleza de música 🙏

[@marieclaude5360]

Encore plus pur qu'à l'orgue ! Magnifique !

[@Assassunn]

Oui, toute la piece sonne horriblement à l'orgue. Cet arrangement de Bauer en fait l'une des plus belles compositions au piano de l'ère romantique !

[@demoniaque79]

Magnifique! Il ne reste qu'à danser dessus!

[@beatricedesbois2651]

NICOLAÏ TOKAREF.. 🎹🎹🎼👍💚🍃💋💋

Started reading this piece like 2 days ago and I already got completely "poisoned". I did not know the piece before but a friend who collects lots of sheets music, he gave me this just to read... The piece brings me this kind of weird feeling of "dejavu". I feel like I know the piece for my entire life but don't know from where...

[@elisabethlooijschelder4974]

Het is zo prettig dit wondermooie dansende stuk met de partituur te volgen.

[@viberouvet]

C'est tellement beau tout simplement ❤️

[@piano2fingers234]

Vous êtes belle aussi 😍

[@nkvrbyv]

I dedicate this piece for my dear darling

[@user-ru8vy1uz7c]

Bravo bravo bravo bravo

[@pianoguy1955]

In addition to this wonderful performance, spend time with Nikolai Lugansky's glowing interpretation.

[@PaulHummerman]

Lugansky is excellent but I find this performance even more ethereal.

[@nizarraguine2244]

Wow this is amazing❤❤❤❤

[@AlexSantos-nq1rb]

Belíssima

[@user-mf4cu7ux7y]

이상하게도,,,이 곡을 들으면 마음이 묘해집니다. 극도로 세련된 음악이라고 생각해요.

[@normalmusic1819]

0:00 Prelude 4:34 Fugue 7:54 Variation

[@aricortez]

Sublime!

[@astridmayabuffy8888]

sehr, sehr schön! Ganz toll! So habe ich es noch nie gehört. Es ist für Klavier :-D jetzt wissen wir es.

[@vonMohl]

At times it sounds like a melancholic waltz.

[@gardeningnm]

Beautiful! A perfect melody. I’m crying 😭

[@carambarun4083]

Jai fais un solo de danse classique sur ça et quand je l'ecoute je ressent ce que je ressentais sur scene quand je dansais 😍

[@katharinaschwalm6206]

est-ce que vous êtes un danceur?

[@kertamo6721]

brilliant

[@NormalPianist]

Exquisite exquisiteness.

[@Sandrah326]

Linda!🙏❤️💐👏👏👏🇧🇷🖖

[@Barbapippo]

Wonderful piece, I prefer the piano version to the original one.

[@alexisgermeau2953]

Magnifique! Victor Vreuls adorait cette composition!

[@nervenerd]

there are snippets of Vreuls on KZbin. He had taste!

[@lelinqi]

8:18, such a treasure

[@user-ue9nv2oj1d]

Жаль,что нельзя оставить тысячу лайков

[@beatricedesbois2651]

Je kifff🎼💚🎼🍃🎼💋

[@alexandrepied-kavaeff5585]

👍🎶👍🎶👍🎶👍🎶👍🎶👍🎶👍

[@marilenaf9308]

This is simply incredible... Who is the pianist?

[@SuperKhatuna]

ძალიან ლამაზი მუსიკა არის და შესრულებაც სრულყოფილი❤❤🎉🎉

[@assfisarmonicisticaitaliana]

Perhaps the pianist is Aldo Ciccolini. I met him and listened to him playing this wonderful piece.

[@user-wh3mw1nn6b]

❤️

[@musicomaniac62]

The harmonic progression of the fuge reminds me of Godowsky's Passacaglia in B Minor ! Very nice to hear though !

[@SpaghettiToaster]

You're right!

[@xavierandenmatten3287]

Une révélation !

[@user-ue9nv2oj1d]

Скажите:кто исполняет это произведение,это лучшее,что слышала

[@endymion11]

Aльдо Чикколини, скорее всего

[@viberouvet]

😍😍😍😍

[@OrbiliusMagister]

I am still convinced that Franck initially sketched this piece on the piano, and while polishing it on paper he decided that it would fit better for the organ, but it's all my ignorant guess. Where could I find some information about the genesis of this piece?

[@rubberlegs]

Orbilius Magister originally written for piano-harmonium duet. Then Franck transcribed it for organ.

[@parkmusic98]

2:24 - 2:36 10:11 - 10:22

[@lolman54]

yeah, who is the pianist??

[@24mielpops89]

lolman54

[@floragutierrez538]

Muy buena versión, quién toca ?

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

A beautiful piece played beautifully.

[@rravvia]

Melancholy carved into stone.

[@SamTahbou]

Whose performance is this?

[@gra_nata]

Пожалуйста, пришлите мне ноты! Я нигде не могу найти это переложение

[@IvanPierreLApostat]

For the original score and various transpositions: imslp.org/wiki/Pr%C3%A9lude%2C_Fugue_et_Variation%2C_Op.18_(Franck%2C_C%C3%A9sar) ;)

[@jobbruggen7269]

Who is playing this?

[@xuly3129]

Job Brüggen

[@paulbu6003]

David Bismuth seemed to be this interpreter

[@tommasomascher5901]

Who is the pianist?

[@jeromebonzon6412]

It's Aldo Ciccolini if I'm not mistaking

[@biaowang3892]

Is it Valentina Lisitsa?

[@ErikAnnaud]

@@jeromebonzon6412 Non car je pense qu'il y a 4 mains dans cette version!

[@44seann]

moins de savoir et de technique que ds prelude choral et fugue mais plus seduisant et plus court!! ouf!!!!

[@madairodriguez2434]

alguien que me pase la partitura plis

[@marcosorrentiakaditirambo9306]

Imslp y arreglao'

[@1guy1wisdom]

¡Cómprela!

[@charlottewhyte9804]

like this better on the organ

[@biaowang3892]

Impossibly hard LMus

[@joseramonmendez803]

Who is the pianist, please??

[@bartjebartmans]

If you look at the comment you see I answered this already a few times. I don't have the name, as this is a video from my old terminated channel. I simply don't have the info anymore.

[@Dylonely42]

Gorgeous, but it should have been on organ, right ?

[@calebhu6383]

2:16

[@gatesurfer]

The piece is lovely, and I'm not criticizing the performance. I'm criticizing the way this is notated. It's very confusing. Such as at 1:09 in the middle voice, you have a little two-note rising pattern G#, A#, and B, all of which resolve downward to F# below middle C. But the way it's notated, it almost looks like the pattern resolves upward, since the first note in the pattern (G#, A#, and B) is written in the bass clef while the second note (F#) is written in the treble clef, and the line connecting the two notes slants up rather than down. It all could have been written in the bass clef and it would have conveyed the flow of the line much more clearly. You certainly would not use two hands to play these two notes.

[@dragonwings5134]

Welcome to piano, right? So many times we have to figure our voicing or fingering around the visual ideas presented on the page. I thought learning this piece was sometimes like playing with my eyes crossed. I found relief with memorization. Did you notice Franck's amazing sequencing?

[@Necroclassical]

Glory to Franck! Asceticism in extremis

[@arthurlaguette7773]

I think the pianist could be Tanguy de Williencourt

[@antoniofresi8628]

Lugansky!