Symphony in D Minor

César Franck composed two symphonies, but only the later Symphony in D minor is known to the public. His juvenile work remains unpublished; apparently the composer did not think it good enough and did not publish it. Franck turned to the symphonic genre in his mature work, having already created works in various genres, including his orchestral poems. After two years of work on the score, the Symphony in D minor was completed in August 1888.

The symphony is a remarkable example of the construction of a Romantic cyclic work in which the traditions of the Classical and Romantic symphonies are innovatively combined. That is why it remains misunderstood by many of his contemporaries. Its premiere at the Paris Conservatoire on 17 February 1889 (just a year before the end of César Franck's life) was not a success. The work received recognition after the composer's death.

Dramaturgically clearly constructed, the Symphony in D minor is full of vivid contrasting imagery. The drama in the work's motto is the thematic basis of its three movements.

The main theme of the first movement (sonata allegro) gradually grows out of the opening motif and conveys a rich emotional range. The second theme is lyrical.

After the vivid contrasting states and dialogues in the first movement, especially in the development, the second movement sounds calm and poetic. The richness of the melodic material fills its complex structure (Frank combines the two traditional middle movements of the classical symphony, the andante and scherzo, in a complex three-movement musical form). Pizzicatos in the string and harp parts are followed by a narratively charming melody played by an English horn. It also recognises intonations from the opening motif. New melodies, colours and nuances emerge, painting a beautiful and varied musical palette.

The finale (sonata allegro) begins with perhaps the most joyous and optimistic melody Frank ever wrote. In contrast to the drama and internal contradictions of the first movement, it sounds bright and upbeat.

"César Franck's Symphony in D minor is not only the composer's most significant work and the most brilliant achievement of French Romantic symphonism since Berlioz, but also one of the most interesting and exciting works in music in the second half of the nineteenth century.