NEW RELEASES

David Fray, who launched his Virgin Classics career with Bach, releases a new recital disc featuring the composer’s keyboard music. “We shouldn’t be afraid of acknowledging the expressiveness of Bach’s music,” says Fray. “The Romantics don’t have a monopoly on expressivity!” Certainly, no one can be afraid of acknowledging the talented Fray, who is the most inspired Bach-player of his generation.

In this release, Fray plays Bach’s Partita No. 2, which starts with the Sinfonia and its long and majestic introduction, amazing melodies, and riveting musical exchanges. Fray’s execution of Bach’s more difficult works is flawless – the Toccata in C Minor is exhilarating, with a flair of drama and excitement. Bach always excelled in large scale fugues, standing above his contemporaries, and this Toccata is no different. Partita No. 6 is a large and densely composed piece full of virtuoso passages and lyrical melody. These pieces show Bach’s ability to take from the past while simultaneously shaping the future of music. This diverse, but unified, abstract work displays how Bach had a wealth of musical knowledge and took risks to achieve a unique sound. Fray exhibits his masterful knowledge of Bach’s works and tremendous talent to execute them, painting a vivid picture of Bach’s remarkable works.

Voted “Newcomer of the Year 2008” by BBC Magazine, David Fray has impressed the music world with his amazing technique and spirited playing style. Fray certainly has a very high opinion on Bach as he stated, “he discovers more psychological depth, more well-rounded stories and more refined emotions than his colleagues.”