CD Review:César Franck (1822-1890): Prelude, Chorale and Fugue

Abstract

Adriana Magdovski is a leading Slovenian, internationally renowned pianist. After studying in Graz, London and Stuttgart, she is building an international career, collaborating with numerous orchestras, soloists and contemporary composers. Her concert career has led her to European culture Capitals as well as the United States. The present CD is her debut. The Belgian composer César Franck, who was ridiculously described by Camille Saint-Saëns as the eternal modulator, was committed to Wagner's obsessive chromatism, which combined this intensely sensual and dramatic harmonious language with a true sense of Catholic piety. The effect can be astounding: the silent thinking of a devoted nature is always followed by an emotional outburst, often within seconds. For a pianist, this is not an easy task, as he/she has to experience these mood swings without resorting to cheap melodrama or performative religiosity. Of all Franck´s piano solo works, Prelude, Chorale and Fugue is most often performed. It was written by Cesar Franck when he was in his early 60s.