César FRANCK (1822-1890) Autograph musical manuscript, Aimer, 1849; 7-page notebook in-fol. (33 x 26 cm). Melody for voice and piano, in B flat major, 3/4, marked Andante ma non troppo [CFF 147]. Composed in 1849, it was published by Richault in 1861. One of Franck's most famous melodies, probably written for his wife on the occasion of the first anniversary of their marriage, based on a poem by Joseph Méry: "I heard his voice so touching when the star in the sky was rising"... "It is a hymn to love which is also a hymn to the power of song" (Joël-Marie Fauquet). The manuscript is neatly written in brown ink on 12-line paper organized in 4 systems of 3 staves per page; it counts 120 measures, and is dated at the end "February 28, 1849".