César Franck was born Liège, Belgium. His father intended for Franck to become a virtuoso pianist, but Franck became a composer of the 'Later Romantics' period. Franck studied at the Liège Conservatoire and at the Paris Conservatoire (where he was excluded because of his nationality, and where he failed to become a pianist), and became an outstanding organist.

In 1846, Franck left home, and travelled, earning fame as an organist and teacher of the organ. He had a loyal and devoted set of pupils, and was recognised for his work in 1871*, when he was nominated to succeed Benoist as the professor of organ at the Paris Conservatoire.

César Franck was a man of gentle character, and his pupils knew him as Pater seraphicus (angelic father). Franck was an outsider in Parisian circles, as during this time, most people were interested in opera.

Franck's reputation largely rests upon a few masterful works written after the age of 50. He wrote a great deal of sacred music, but is chiefly remembered for the following works:

• Organ Symphony in D minor (1886-1888)
• Symphonic Variations for piano and orchestra (1885)
• Piano Quintet (1878-1879)
• Violin Sonata (1886)
• Panis angelicus (1872, for tenor, organ, harp, cello and double bass)

* There is a discrepancy with this date... another source says 1872
Sources: 'The Great Composers' (Wendy Thompson)
biography.com
http://www.hnh.com/composer/franck.htm
Yay! A second piece for the CRT!
There is absolutely no information on this man... if anyone knows where to find more, please tell me.