Best of the Spectator Holy Smoke: finding spiritual treasure in César Franck
Jun 8, 2025
Join British-Israeli pianist Ariel Lanyi as he delves into the life and music of César Franck, a composer whose work transcends the boundaries of faith and artistry. Lanyi discusses how Franck's deep Catholic inspiration contrasts with the views of Richard Wagner. He reveals the emotional and spiritual depths in Franck’s last compositions and their enduring importance in music history. Personal anecdotes illuminate how Franck's pieces evoke profound experiences, blending virtuosity with serenity.
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Franck's Deep Catholic Spirituality
- César Franck was a devout Catholic whose spirituality deeply influenced his music, especially in his religious works and organ compositions.
- His faith is recognized by contemporaries and even Pope Pius XII for its profound spiritual expression.
Spirituality in Secular Works
- Franck's ostensibly secular works, like Prelude Chorale and Fugue, still convey profound spiritual qualities.
- The chorale shares a motif with Wagner's Parsifal, symbolizing a spiritual connection through music.
Duality in Franck and Bruckner
- Franck and Bruckner were contemporaries whose Catholic faith infused their music with dualities of light and darkness.
- Their works express a spectrum from optimism and gratitude to terror and pessimism.
