César Franck was a remarkable French composer, born on 10th December 1822 in Liège, Belgium. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary musical talent, performing his first concerts at just twelve years old. Franck later moved to Paris, where he studied with renowned teachers, including Anton Reicha. His career flourished as he became an organist at the Basilica of Saint-Clotilde, a position he held for over thirty years. Franck was celebrated for his exceptional skill in improvisation and wrote numerous important works, including the famous Violin Sonata and Symphony in D minor.

Throughout his life, Franck was devoted to teaching, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Many of his students, such as Vincent d’Indy and Louis Vierne, went on to make significant contributions to music. Although some of his compositions were not well-received during his lifetime, today, César Franck is recognised as one of the key figures in late Romantic music, being instrumental in the development of organ music and chamber works.