Description

Franck's sole symphony represents a late-stage composition, first unveiled in Paris in February 1889, just a year prior to his passing. This work magnificently showcases the unique musical identity of the esteemed Belgian composer and resonates profoundly with the splendor of the late French Romantic style.

A century after its initial performance, the Symphony in D Minor has become one of the most frequently performed and recorded symphonic pieces within the classical repertoire. This definitive Dover edition presents the full score in a durable yet affordable format, intended to provide a lifetime of enjoyable study.

While Franck was significantly influenced by Bach's contrapuntal techniques and Wagner's chromatic harmonies, he cultivated a distinctly individual musical voice in his compositions. His student Dukas remarked, "Franck's language is strictly individual, of an accent and quality hitherto unused, and recognizable among all other idioms."

Franck's influence extended beyond composition; as an organ virtuoso and educator, he mentored notable students such as d'Indy, Chausson, and many other prominent modern French composers. His most significant works, including the Symphony in D Minor, embody a blend of depth and grandeur, coupled with a sweeping, almost mystical lyricism—qualities that underscore his stature as a pivotal figure in 19th-century French musical culture.