David Fray's 2007 album, "Bach: Partita in D major, French Suite in D minor/Boulez: Douze Notations pour piano, Incises," is a captivating exploration of classical piano repertoire that showcases the artist's remarkable technical prowess and interpretive sensitivity. The album is a blend of Baroque elegance and modernist complexity, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Pierre Boulez, along with Fray's own composition, "Incises."
The album begins with Bach's Keyboard Partita No. 4 in D Major, BWV 828, a suite of seven movements that exemplify the composer's contrapuntal mastery and melodic inventiveness. Fray's playing is marked by a sense of clarity and precision, bringing out the intricate details of Bach's writing. The French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 812, follows, with Fray delivering a nuanced and expressive performance of this well-loved work.
The centerpiece of the album is Boulez's "Douze Notations pour piano," a set of twelve pieces that explore a wide range of pianistic techniques and musical styles. Fray's performance is a tour de force, demonstrating his ability to navigate the challenges of modernist piano music with ease and confidence. The album concludes with "Incises," a solo piano work by David Fray himself, offering a glimpse into the artist's own compositional voice.
Throughout the album, David Fray's playing is characterized by a deep understanding of the music, a keen ear for detail, and a willingness to take risks in his interpretations. The result is a recording that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, offering listeners a fresh perspective on these well-known works. With a total runtime of 67 minutes, this album is a testament to Fray's artistry and a must-listen for any fan of classical piano music.
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