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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: Cesar Franck (1822-1890)

Composer of the Week: Cesar Franck (1822-1890): Episode 3: War and the Franckistes

Cesar Franck (1822-1890)

Episode 3

Episode 3: War and the Franckistes

War and the Franckistes

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Cesar Franck (1822-1890), War and the Franckistes

Donald Macleod on Franck and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, plus the 'Franckistes'.

Donald Macleod discusses how Franck and his sons were caught up in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, plus the 'Franckistes', a devoted band of followers in Paris.

What did you do in the war, Papa? In today's programme Donald Macleod finds César Franck and his sons caught up in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. The composer is now at the head of an adoring band of young composers - Franckistes - eager to learn from the master, even when the public at large was indifferent. In the midst of a siege, Franck volunteers to help keep Paris alive through deliveries of fuel and portions of chocolate. He is also be inspired to start work on his epic choral work, Les Beatitudes which, like most of his works, would endure a disastrous premiere! After the war, Franck's followers would establish the Société Nationale de Musique. As we'll discover, this was generally good news for the promotion of instrumental music. But as Franck's circle of young composers grew ever wider, a rift would start to appear between César and his wife Felicité, who grew increasingly resentful of their presence. Nevertheless, Franck managed to pen the one song by which he is best known to the world: Panis Angelicus. With his Trois Pièces written for organ, he would also impress audiences in the vast hall of the Trocadero Palace!

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Belgian composer Cesar Franck

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Cesar Franck (1822-1890)

Episode 3: War and the Franckistes

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