Franz

Franz, ROBERT, composer, was born at Halle, 28th June 1815, studied under Schneider at Dessau in 1835-37, and in 1843 published his first set of twelve songs, which won the warm praises of Schumann, Mendelssohn, Liszt, and other masters. From then till 1868 he held various appointments at Halle; and when he was compelled to resign them from ill-health, the pecuniary difficulties that ensued were overcome by the exertions of Liszt, Joachim, and others, who in 1872 got up a series of concerts for Franz's benefit, which realised nearly £6000. He published over 250 songs with piano-forte accompaniments, a Kyrie, and several chorales and four-part songs, besides arrangements of the vocal masterpieces of Bach and Handel. Franz's best songs rank with those of Schubert and Schumann. He died 24th October 1892. See critiques by Liszt (1872) and Saran (1875).