David Fray's 2007 album, "Bach: Partita in D major, French Suite in D minor/Boulez: Douze Notations pour piano, Incises," is a captivating journey through the worlds of Baroque and modern classical piano music. The album showcases Fray's exceptional technical prowess and interpretive sensitivity, offering a fresh perspective on well-loved works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Pierre Boulez.
The album begins with Bach's Keyboard Partita No. 4 in D Major, BWV 828, a suite of seven movements that demonstrate Bach's contrapuntal mastery and melodic invention. Fray's playing is crisp and precise, with a keen attention to detail that brings out the intricate textures of Bach's writing. The French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 812, follows, with Fray's nuanced phrasing and dynamic control highlighting the suite's expressive depth.
The second half of the album is devoted to Boulez's 12 Notations pour piano, a set of very short pieces composed in 1946. Each notation is made up of just 12 bars, but Boulez's innovative use of rhythm, harmony, and form creates a wealth of musical ideas. Fray's playing is virtuosic and precise, capturing the playful, fantastical quality of the first notation, the driving energy of the second, and the serene beauty of the third. The album concludes with Boulez's Incises, a challenging and complex work that showcases Fray's technical brilliance and musical insight.
Throughout the album, Fray's playing is characterized by a sense of spontaneity and freedom, as if he is improvising even the most carefully notated passages. His interpretations are always fresh and engaging, offering new insights into familiar works and bringing lesser-known pieces to life. With its diverse repertoire and exceptional playing, this album is a testament to David Fray's artistry and a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast.
Vinylscout