Thank God people still recognise Cesar Franck within this forum.
He is, without doubt, the greatest organ composer since Bach. If you don't believe me, believe Liszt instead. This is based on less than two hours of music for the instrument. (Twelve works)
I find the Prelude, Choral & Fugue an astounding work. That Choral melody has to be one of the most elegant examples of how simplicity can transcend virtuosity.
I believe that the amalgamation of the three movements in the final pages of the Fugue demonstrate the finest contrapuntal mastery since the death of Bach.
If you have experienced the power of his piano works, I beg you to listen to his organ works, even if you are solely a pianist. The Three Chorals, which he wrote on his deathbed and never heard on his organ at Saint-Clotilde Paris, are the pinnacle of Franck's musical output. I believe that anyone who has heard Stephen Hough's Franck album may corroborate this.
If you're wondering about Liszt's comments about Franck's personality, I suggest you read the accounts of his pupils. (Louis Vierne in particular)
If you're interested in the comparison of Franck's and Rachmaninoff's hands, take a look at this. The reason for the rather inconsiderate stretches he calls for in his organ works become apparent. (This image is originally a photo too, made into an engraving)
Topic: Ten Facts about the great Cesar Franck