Prélude, fugue et variation, Op.18

César-Auguste-Jean-Guillaume-Hubert Franck (10 December 1822 – 8 November 1890) worked in Paris during his adult life.

He was born at Liège, in what is now Belgium (though at the time of his birth it was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands). He gave his first concerts there in 1834 and studied privately in Paris from 1835, where his teachers included Anton Reicha. He moved to Paris, where he married and embarked on a career as teacher and organist. He gained a reputation as a formidable musical improviser, and demonstrated new instruments built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

In 1858, he became organist at the Basilica of St. Clotilde, Paris, a position he retained for the rest of his life. He became professor at the Paris Conservatoire in 1872; he took French nationality, a requirement of the appointment.

The famous "Prelude, Fugue and Variation" dates from 1860-1862. It is the third of the "6 Pièces pour grand orgue", and has the dedication: "à son ami monsieur Camille Saint-Saëns".

It is often forgotten that Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was a distinguished organist, who served at several prestigious Parisian churhces.

The work is well-known and needs no "explanation," but I will quote what Vincent d'Indy wrote of the "musical charm of the fugue, which is very different from the insipid classroom fugues, the only kind being written at the time."

The score (original edition) is attached below, as well as photos of César Franck and Camille Saint-Saëns. Also attached are photos of monuments, organs, and some of the churches at which they served.

Also included is an excellent essay by Gerard Carter with Franck's metronome marks for all of his organ works.

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