By
THIRSTY
David Fray is an award-winning
pianist, recitalist, soloist and chamber musician. He has collaborated with
leading orchestras under some of the most distinguished conductors, including Marin
Alsop, Christoph Eschenbach and Riccardo Muti, to name only a few, and has had
orchestral appearances throughout Europe. He made his US debut in 2009 with the
Cleveland Orchestra followed by performances with the Boston Symphony, San
Francisco Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and the Los Angeles
Philharmonic. He also has given recitals at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Park
Avenue Armory in New York and Chicago’s Orchestra Hall.
With nine albums to his
credit, his latest CD is a collaboration with violinist Renaud Capuçon for a
recording of four Bach sonatas for keyboard and violin.
Stay Thirsty Magazine
was fortunate to visit with David Fray for these Five Questions during his
current tour and just after his appearance with the NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic in
Florida.
STAY THIRSTY: You
recently appeared with the NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic during their national tour
on four separate occasions in Florida. How did this engagement come about and
what is it about this orchestra that attracted you?
DAVID FRAY: I met the orchestra and
maestro Guerrero in June 2018 and was impressed by the emotion they brought to
this music. The collaboration was fluent and almost like chamber music, which
is what I prefer when I play with an orchestra.
STAY THIRSTY: You
have been referred to as the “perfect example of a thinking musician.” What
does that mean to you and it is true?
DAVID FRAY: Perfect,
unfortunately not! But I personally expect more from a musician than only a “nice”
moment, but also a singular experience that will lead me to another side of the
piece. Music thinks actually and it’s logical that musicians think too. Playing
notes is a huge responsibility.
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| David Fray performing Bach: Concerto for 3 Pianos |
STAY THIRSTY: You
have performed all over the world as a recitalist, a soloist and a chamber
musician. Which format is your favorite, and which one is the most rewarding?
DAVID FRAY: I
have to admit that I like to perform in recital very much, but when you get
wonderful partners (conductors, orchestras or chamber music) this can be even
more beautiful. When you feel that your partner answers to your phrasing very
naturally for instance, this feeling of a communion is something miraculous to
me.
STAY THIRSTY: You
have recorded more Bach than Schubert, Mozart, Boulez or Chopin. What is it
about Bach that keeps you coming back?
DAVID FRAY: It’s
a necessity for me and I imagine that it is the case for any musician. The
language of Bach is the perfect balance between poetry and rigor. As a musician,
I try to be between these two poles, but it is difficult. Sometimes the emotion
eats too much of the technical rigor and there is also the risk that too much
rigor makes the music dry.
STAY THIRSTY: If
you could ask Bach one question, what would it be? If Bach could ask you one
question, what would you like it to be?
DAVID FRAY: I
would ask: “What do you think about modern piano for your music?” Any question
of the composer regarding my choices and questioning them would be interesting,
though, I guess.
(Head photo credit: Marco Borggreve; Piano performance photo courtesy of Warner Classics)
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