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- Franck, Cesar
Duration: 15 minutes
Description: VARIATIONS SYMPHONIQUES, FWV 46 was composed in 1885 by César Franck (1822–1890) as one of his most innovative contributions to the piano-and-orchestra repertoire. Neither a conventional concerto nor a simple theme-and-variations set, the work blends symphonic integration with virtuosic display, unfolding in a continuous three-part design. Written during the flourishing final decade of his life as organist at Sainte-Clotilde and revered teacher in Paris, the piece embodies the late-19th-century French revival of serious instrumental music. VARIATIONS SYMPHONIQUES was premiered on May 1, 1886, in Paris with pianist Louis Diémer and conductor Jules Pasdeloup, and it was quickly recognized as a masterpiece of balance between orchestral depth and pianistic brilliance. Today the work stands as a staple of the concert repertoire, frequently performed as a distinctive alternative to the Romantic piano concerto. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): [Solo Piano]. The Clarinets, Horns, and Trumpets all include transposed parts. Reprint edition.