During the course of a long career, Franck held teaching positions at conservatories in both Germany (Kassel, Berlin, Heidelberg) and in Switzerland (Basle).
His conservative style was influenced by Reinecke and by his friend, the Swiss composer Hans Huber (1852–1921).
Franck was firmly in the tradition of Mendelssohn and Schumann though it's clear that he was not immune from the influence of Wagner, Grieg and Reger also.
[citation needed] Critics who were familiar with his compositions and his piano playing regularly lavished praise upon them.
20, wrote: "Powerful and full-sounding energy is shown in many works, not least in [Richard Franck's] Op.20 Piano Trio, which is a magnificent, significant composition, fresh in invention, firm and secure in its development, and mature in its expression.