FRANCK, César-Auguste. — Organist and composer, b. at Liège on 10 Dec. 1822, d. at Paris on 8 Nov. 1890. He began his studies in Liège, and in 1835 went to Paris with his family.
After several unsuccessful attempts, in 1853 he accepted the post of organist at St-Jean-St-François, and from there moved to St Clotilde, where for over thirty years he poured out the treasures of his talent and inspiration. In 1872 he returned to the Conservatory as professor of organ, where he had numerous pupils. His compositions are animated by a spirit of profound religious feeling, and his musical discourse is always composed and sustained.
The principal works of F. are the oratorios: Ruth (1833), La tour de Babel (1865), Les béatitudes (1860-70), Rédemption (1871), Rebecca (1881); the operas: Le valet de ferme (1852), Hélène (1885), Ghiselle (1890) lyric drama in four acts; works for orchestra: Les Éolides (1876), Le chasseur maudit, symphonic poem (1882), Les Djinns, symphonic poem (1884); several Masses and motets, the Psalm CL, as well as choral symphonies and pieces for organ.