Presents
Richard Franck
Piano Trio No.2 in E flat Major, Op.32
Richard Franck's Second Piano Trio, a late Romantic work, dates from 1900. It is a warm and expansive work in the tradition of Brahms though with fresh melodies and original ideas of its own.
Richard Franck (1858-1938) was the son of the composer, concert pianist and teacher Eduard Franck (whose music we also publish). Born in Cologne, where his father was then teaching, Richard showed an early talent for the piano. When it became clear he was going to pursue a career in music, Eduard, who had studied with Mendelssohn, saw to it that he received the best training available. Richard was sent to the prestigious Leipzig Conservatory to study with Carl Reinecke and Salomon Jadassohn, both of whom were among the leading composers and teachers of their day. After finishing his studies, Richard enjoyed a long career as a teacher, composer, and pianist, during the course of which he held several positions in Germany and Switzerland.
Although he was a fine performer, and a respected teacher and composer, Richard Franck never achieved great prominence. Yet those who hear and play his music immediately recognize the hand of an accomplished master composer.
The opening Allegro moderato, begins with a genial theme which, as it slowly unfolds, takes us on an unhurried tonal journey over a satisfying and familiar landscape. The second movement, an Adagio, has a love song for its main theme. Full of warmth and affection, the music effortlessly floats forward until it is suddenly interrupted by a passionate interlude of an urgent nature. A Brahmsian Scherzo follows. It is Brahmsian in the sense of that the highly rhythmic and accented main theme pulls forward relentlessly, yet there is a certain drag, as if the emergency brake was left on. It is powerful and full-blooded, only the appearance of the quiet and lyrical second theme relieves the tension. The finale, Allegro, is simply brimming over with melody. The first theme is a jovial and celebratory melody. The development almost unnoticed creates a real sense for forward motion. The second theme, in the minor, pregnant with yearning creates unrest which is dissipated by the return of the jovial main theme.
Here is a real masterwork of the late Romantic literature. It plays amazingly well and deserves concert performance as well as entree into the homes of amateurs. We present our edition, the first in over a century, in hopes that it will soon be rediscovered.
Parts: $29.95
