The title of this resource tool was chosen to address the tripartite career of César Franck (1822 – 1890) which becomes very apparent with any study of his life and works. What also becomes obvious is that while these three facets are distinct in their genesis and development in Franck's story, there are many intersections and connections. For example, as a teacher of organ at the Conservatoire, Franck actually spent most of his time teaching his students the art of improvisation at the keyboard, in other words, spontaneous composition. Here is perhaps no better an example of Franck as teacher, organist, and composer. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to explore one of these elements of Franck’s life and career without simultaneously touching on the others.

While many musicians today remember him primarily as an organist and composer of organ music – neglecting the many songs, orchestral works, chamber compositions, and important piano pieces – Franck was in many ways first and foremost a teacher. Even in his youth he taught piano and harmony while still under his parent's roof, the meagre funds of which went directly to the family income. Once he had broken his father's hold and began his own family, Franck continued teaching in addition to his work as organist at Notre Dame de Lorette. While his career as a teacher may have begun as a way to supplement income, it became an important facet of his career, and it is in this area where Franck arguably made his greatest contribution. Until virtually the day he died, Franck was a teacher, whether in the classroom at the Conservatory, in his organ loft at Sainte-Clotilde, or in his own home, often at times before sunrise or after a long and grueling day. This is how so many of his colleagues, friends, pupils, and critics remembered him. His own time for composition was admittedly limited, and accomplished either while on holiday or in fits and starts when he could squeeze it in between other obligations. Unlike some of his colleagues at the Conservatory, he did not neglect his classroom duties to orchestrate, arrange, or compose while his students worked in class, only partially paying attention to their endeavors, or relegating his responsibilities to an advanced student.