大象传媒

Donald Macleod continues his look at the life and career of Belgian composer, C茅sar Franck. After years under the heel of his domineering father, by his mid-twenties Franck is prompted to stand up to the bullying Nicholas-Joseph, all in the name of love. He was determined to marry one of his pupils, to whom he dedicated a song. Franck even moved out of his family home to join his future in-laws. When finally, in 1848, he was able to marry the woman of his dreams, he was faced with a riot - not between his parents and in-laws, but between pro and anti-government forces! Marriage broadened his outlook and introduced him to the pleasures of literature, which in turn would inspire some of his composition, such as the orchestral meditation, Ce qu'on Entend sur la Montagne. Meanwhile, we find Franck eking out a living by teaching, and by playing the organ. The revival of French organ making by Aristide Cavaill茅-Coll would transform Franck's view of the instrument, and inspire him to compose some of his finest music for the instrument.