David Fray, carte blanche at the TCE

A few days ago, David Fray and his former professor Jacques Rouvier, along with 2 other pianists, Emmanuel Christien and Audrey Vigoureux, were performing Bach Concertos for 2, 3 or 4 keyboards (on modern piano) at the TCE.

The concert program was indeed similar to their latest recording, with the same soloists and – small – orchestra, the string ensemble from the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, one of French leading orchestras. I had decided not to listen to the CD beforehand, not to “spoil” the evening. But Fray’s recordings of Bach talk for themselves and I was pretty sure I would not be disappointed.

David Fray and Jacques Rouvier joined forces for Concerto BWV 1061 in C. They naturally know each other extremely well (they recorded together a wonderful Schubert album) and were in total harmony. The Adagio ovvero Largo, where the orchestra is silent, was out of this world, a pure moment of joy and grace.

David Fray, who also assumed the conductor role, played Concerto BWV 1062 in C minor with Audrey Vigoureux and Concerto BWV 1060 in C minor also – but of a very different mood – with Emmanuel Christien. I think I enjoyed the latter a little more, but both were very pleasurable.

After the break, David Fray, Jacques Rouvier and Emmanuel Christien played Concerto BWV 1063 in D minor – which has some reminiscences of Keyboard Concerto BWV 1052 in the same key, a true masterpiece -, and were joined by Audrey Vigoureux for the 4 keyboard Concerto BWV 1065 in A minor.

The performers played 2 encores, the 1st and 3rd movements of the BWV 1065 before a very friendly signing session.

As on the CD, only Concerto BWV 1064 for 3 Keyboards was missing. Maybe next time?

Oh, I forgot to mention that a very famous French actor was attending the concert (see photos) and congratulated the performers.