Donald Satz asked:
>2. What are considered the best compositions Francaix wrote?
L'Horloge des Fleurs (the Flower Clock) was, I believe, written for John
de Lancie (as was the Strauss Oboe Concerto). I do not own a CD but have
heard the recording by de Lancie several times; it is quite extraordinary
for its understated elegance and the most wonderful legato to be heard. As
a piece, l'Horloge is typical of Francaix - witty, charming with a touch of
melancholy, and a vast understanding of woodwind.
I shall not judge whether it is his "best" work - but it pleases me.
I also have sitting in front of me the score of his cor anglais quartet
written for Janet Craxton - Classic FM gave it an airing recently - I only
caught a snip of it but it was enough to get me to buy the music! There
are several recordings listed on Amazon.
Christopher Rosevear