Franck: Prélude, choral et fugue & Prélude, aria & final

To mark the bicentenary of César Franck on 12th December, here is a beautifully remastered version of Germaine Thyssens-Valentin’s recordings of the composer’s piano pieces. Trained in Liège, the hometown of Franck, the pianist gave special attention to French late romanticism (her legendary performances of Fauré’s complete piano cycles are a must-have). These splendid renditions of Franck’s most famous pieces are a striking illustration of Thyssens-Valentin’s unique sensitivity.