César Franck was a Belgian-born composer, organist, and teacher who became one of the most influential figures in French music. Known for his richly harmonic style and cyclic structures, he played a crucial role in shaping late Romantic music. After studying at the Paris Conservatoire, he spent much of his career as an organist, notably at Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where he developed a reputation as an improviser and composer of sacred music.

His compositions include symphonic, choral, chamber, and organ works, with the Symphony in D minor (1888) being one of his most famous. Other notable pieces include Panis Angelicus, Prélude, Choral et Fugue for piano, and Violin Sonata in A major, which remains a staple of the repertoire. Franck’s music is marked by its dense harmonies, thematic unity, and spiritual depth.

As a teacher at the Paris Conservatoire, he influenced a generation of French composers, including Vincent d’Indy and Paul Dukas. Though his work was not widely recognised during his lifetime, Franck’s music gained prominence after his death, securing his place as a key figure in 19th-century French music.