César Franck

César Franck (1822–1890) was a composer, organist, pianist, and teacher active in Paris during the late Romantic period. Born in Liège, he trained in both Belgium and France, later becoming organist at Sainte-Clotilde and professor at the Paris Conservatoire. He was widely regarded for his improvisations and for his close association with the instruments of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. His teaching influenced a generation of French composers, including Vincent d’Indy, Ernest Chausson, and Henri Duparc. Franck’s works include organ and piano music, chamber pieces, choral works, and orchestral compositions. Among his best-known are the Violin Sonata in A major, Symphony in D minor, Symphonic Variations, and the motet Panis angelicus.