BY FRED KIRSHNIT [NY Sun, 10 November 2005]

For those who think that classical music is fit only for the drawing rooms of ancient ladies, it may be a surprise to learn that some of the greatest works in the medium received their inspiration from steamy, passionate encounters. The Belgian composer Cesar Franck, for example, wrote a chamber piece - the Piano Quintet - so whitehot in its carnal intensity that his wife walked out of the premiere performance, understanding by its naked sensuality that it had to have been inspired by his mistress.