Fantasy: that is the name of the CD by David Fray, one of the most remarkable young pianists of recent times. It is a provocative title that is perhaps also a bit superfluous, because the fantasy and
enchantment that music, especially Schubert’s, can evoke are always closely linked. ‘Fantasy’ is also the nickname of the great G Major sonata, which sounds remarkably milder and less “crazy” in Fray’s hands than it does when played by many of his colleagues.

His performance of Fantasia D 940, Schubert’s most famous and undoubtedly most beloved work for piano for four hands, together with his former teacher Jacques Rouvier, rivals the performance by Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu, which I still consider the benchmark.

Fray and Rouvier’s interpretation sounds less dreamy and more down to earth, which may be due to the faster tempi, but the poetry and enchantment are still intact. What makes their sober approach even more appealing is the recognisability of the keys used, which keeps your attention focused all the time. To put it bluntly, played this way, it is also less like a “musical earwurm”.

In the three-minute-long but oh-so-beautiful Hungarian Melody, Fray also shows his down-to-earth poetic side. Anyone who has ever become attached o András Schiff’s interpretation will have to take a deep breath (again, the fast tempo!), but after repeated listening, you will come to the conclusion
that it can be done this way and still remain irresistible.

Maybe a matter of using your imagination?

In an interview, the very charismatic young Frenchman once said: “I want to let the piano speak and sing”, and he certainly succeeds in doing so.