Franck, C: Prelude, Aria et Final M23 (1886/7)

A landmark recording of Franck's near-complete piano works by Jörg Demus at the height of his powers in the 1970s.

Performances of great finesse, perfectly suited to the wonderful harmonic language of this beautiful romantic music.

Following his highly acclaimed award-winning debut album on Naïve, Bertrand Chamayou collaborates with one of Europe’s leading symphony orchestras, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, to record solo and orchestral works by César Franck.

Fuelled by the desire to bring César Franck’s music out of obscurity, Bertrand Chamayou here demonstrates wonderfully why Franck’s music should be an essential element in the concerto repertory of a virtuoso pianist. The programme here features the four great works Franck wrote for the piano – each one, rarely recorded. Though ‘Prélude, choral et fugue’ and ‘Variations Symphoniques’ appear frequently in concert programmes, the other works recorded here are less well-known. ‘Prélude, aria et final’ is a genuine neglected masterpiece. Chamayou states in his booklet note that “It is an example of the quintessence of Franck’s art, a virtually perfect work”.

The scintillating symphonic poem, Les Dijnns, follows and can be said to clearly affirm Franck’s status as the direct successor of Liszt. The recording ends with ‘Prélude, fugue et variation’ - a work that possesses undeniable charm and melodic grace that has excited envy among pianists. Chamayou opts to perform the rare and delightful salon arrangement by the composer himself.

Recorded in 2008.

Muza Rubackyte is a Lithuanian pianist living in Paris. She has made many recordings for the Lyrinx label, including an acclaimed set of Liszt, of which the BBC Music Magazine wrote, ‘Rubackyte’s Annees de Pelerinage rises to the top of this cycle’s shortlist.’ This month sees her debut on Brilliant Classics, in two albums of music by César Franck. Franck's dense, chromatic harmonies and incense-laden melodies present unique challenges to pianists.