FRANCK CESAR: (1822-1890) Belgian-born French composer and pianist of the Romantic period. Autograph musical manuscript, unsigned, one page, oblong folio, n.p. (Paris), 1889, in bold pencil. The manuscript, apparently prepared in connection with the annual organ competition at the Paris Conservatoire, where Franck was Professor of Organ, comprises several musical themes or fugue subjects, presumably intended for improvisation by the competing students, variously penned across five systems of manuscript stave. Inscribed by Franck at the foot ´Conservatoire. Concours d'Orgue – 1889´. With a contemporary pencil annotation in another hand to the upper margin (largely affected by a heavy tape stain). Some age wear and creasing, with a central vertical fold and unevenly torn left edge, G

Franck's celebrated organ class at the Paris Conservatoire placed particular emphasis upon improvisation, which formed a demanding and important element of the annual concours. Franck devoted much of his teaching to preparing his pupils for this discipline, providing themes upon which they were required to improvise in various forms. The present manuscript would appear to preserve material associated with the Conservatoire's 1889 Concours d'Orgue, at which Franck's pupil Albert Mahaut was awarded a Premier Prix. The year was also significant for Franck's relationship with Louis Vierne, whom he took under his protection and admitted as an auditor to his organ class in 1889.