Cesar Franck's great Symphony in D minor is to be performed at this week's Symphony concerts in Boston. Franck was born in Belgium in 1822, but spent most of his life in Paris, where he was for many years the organist in the church of Sainte-Clotilde. Devoutly sincere and excessively modest, he did not secure real fame until after his death in 1890, when, through the efforts of his pupils, who include the greatest of modern French composers, his works were really brought before the public. Franck represents a break from the Wagnerian romanticism and a return to classic models which he uses as a vehicle for the expression of his own religious personality. His D minor Symphony is perhaps the best example of this religious feeling which almost reaches an ecstasy at times. The work has three movements, all scored in an harmonic style so rich that it tends to lose its effectiveness on repeated hearings.

Also on the program is a symphony by Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), an Italian by birth, who lived for many years in England; and the orchestral concerto, "Spring," from the "Four Seasons" by the early 18th century Venetian composer, Antonio Vivaldi.

McCormack and Elman Recitals

John McCormack, the aging Irish tenor, is to give a recital in Symphony Hall tonight. His recent vocal efforts have not been entirely successful. On Sunday afternoon in the same hall, Mischa Elman, distinguished violinist, is to present a program ranging from Bach to Sarasate.