Customer Reviews

Schubert: (6) Moments musicaux / (4) Impromptus / Allegretto in C, d. 780,899,915

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

These Schubert piano pieces are beautiful and masterful, and have had a long history of distinguished recordings. Mr. Fray's, nonetheless, is exceptional. This is a thoughtfully constructed program, where the Moments Musicaux reveal the prism that sees us to the last impromptu of D.899. The playing is introspective, almost improvisational, the pauses as eloquent as the notes. Yet structure remains obvious and intact, indeed Mr. Fray's freedom of execution is firmly anchored on the keen revelation of the internal organization of the music. Nothing is distorted notwithstanding ample application of rubato. The phrasing is eminently musical: the pianist knows where he is going and we are immesurably richer by subjecting ourselves to his will, to listen on his own terms. In this program, the pieces hang together obviously and well, within themselves and as part of a whole. His piano coloring is variedly and deeply hued within a predominantly soft sound palette: attention must be paid. David Fray sees Schubert as coming face-to-face with death in these pieces. This is music making so beautiful it aches. One cannot escape loss.

Not only strongly recommended, but this disc is a "must-have" for all lovers of piano music. Virgin has given it very fine sound, rightly distanced. It is also remarkable and attests to the genius of Mr. Fray, that this comes from the same pianist who previously has given us such exhuberant Bach.

David Fray truly brings his unique sensibilities to Schubert. I picked up his previous Bach concerto release and was floored at his technique and virtuosity for being only 28 years old. For this release, I couldn't help but notice his innovative approach to the work. His interpretation is generous, enthusiastic and rich in contrasts. The fast movements appeal with their healthy energy, exuberant humor in their finales and lyricism throughout. No movements of tension stiffen David Fray's phrases and he gives free rein to the sound. Bravo, David!

I skipped over the Moments Musicaux but by the time I was done with the Allegretto and the Impromptus I thought it was Christmas day. Although technically impressive, Fray fidgets and fusses over every musical-notation nook and cranny for potential nuance, sensitivity and whatnot. The end result is one of plodding stagnation and very little conviction or satisfaction. It's all applied slickness and gloss, emotionally neutral, let alone neutered. Shallow too. And why not tedious as well? He can make the piano sing beautifully, true, but so can Radu Lupu or Edwin Fischer. In fact, I was reminded of Lupu in the Impromptus. But where pianists like Lupu and Fischer possess/ed the acumen and culture to sustain the singing line, making it sound organic and natural and from the heart and captivating, Fray only serves to deprive the pieces of oxygen through multi-tasking, over-analyzing and micro-managing them. This is both music-making and piano playing designed for metrosexuals. Someone needs to remind this pianist that less is more, often. Now on to listen to his Bach concertos.

I like his approach to Schubert. Fray actually plays softly once in a while, and not for narcissistic effect, which in itself distinguishes him from countless others these days. I look forward to hearing this artist play Beethoven, because I was impressed by a little video clip of him playing, with a superb violinist, Op. 30 #2 (the C Minor Violin/Piano Sonata). Maybe we have reached a new era in which musicians will no longer prize the shallow careerism of the Reagan/Thatcher era instead of the genius of Bach, Mozart and Schubert.

One of the impromptus is the stand-out piece on this CD. Fray is a lyrical, dreamy, poetic artist. Could he be more handsome?