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