“Franz held this movement together quite well, maintaining the harmonic tension for 12 or 16 or 24 consecutive measures at a time as the development moved inexorably to its climax. This is one of Franz's strengths – allaying the form to the content, or to state it backwards, the emotional content of the music never overcomes the structure but if anything, it is reinforced by the structural strength.” (BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 6)
- Classical Voice North Carolina
“The presentation had all the right stuff…. As for Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” Franz’s account of it proved beguiling in so many ways. He summoned a big, rich sound from the strings. He inspired an angelic sound from the winds and brass. He exacted precise playing while never neglecting the more lyrical aspects of what can be extremely lyrical music.”
- Winston Salem Journal
“There are reasons for his success: in addition to his musicianship, this is a man with vision, energy and the capacity to draw the very best from the musicians with whom he works. …he employs a highly positive, energizing approach when conducting ” [the Boise Baroque Orchestra]
- Idaho Press
“Franz is an outstanding musician with profound intelligence. He rose to the occasion, guiding the huge forces through the three movements to the inexorable ending involving the “Dies Irae” (Day of Wrath) theme so dear to Rachmaninoff… this was a remarkable performance of a too-seldom-heard masterpiece.”
- Classical Voice North Carolina
“Franz coaxed brilliant playing from the RSO, which has rarely sounded better”
- Reading Eagle
“Friday’s audience was fortunate beyond belief to have heard the definitive performance of the Bruch Concerto No. 1 (Joshua Bell), which was superbly partnered by conductor Robert Franz and the BPO”
- Buffalo News
“The orchestra has seldom played with such rapt attention to its collective tasks. Franz conducted the entire affair with masterly pace, emphasis and technical control. The final minute was among the most viscerally thrilling indulgences I’ve heard in Whitney Hall.”
- The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
“Franz’ assured musicality gave his readings a vitality that made the evening a fine musical adventure”
- Spokesman Review
“The music (Barber’s Medea’s Meditation and Dance of Vengeance) crackles, communicating the essence of the Greek tragedy with terse power. So too did Franz’s reading, which matched the composer’s own remarkable intensity.”
- The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
“Franz and company closed with a reading of the Schubert Symphony No. 5. Tempos pressed forward in a way that with this nimble band, felt blithe and refreshing.”
- The Charlotte Observer
“The Carolina Chamber Symphony fills a void in Winston-Salem’s concert life. Especially since the group is filled with such able, energetic players and is led by so efficient and intelligent a conductor.”
- The Winston-Salem Journal