David Fray piano recital

It is a rare occasion when the world-renowned French pianist David Fray — often dubbed the enfant terrible of the instrument — gives a solo recital in Budapest. Fray is recognized as one of the most influential Bach interpreters of our time, known for his dazzling, sometimes even shocking virtuosity that captivates audiences around the globe.

This evening’s program, part of the Cziffra Festival, begins in the Baroque era — a period of experimentation and the crystallization of musical norms — but presents Bach’s well-known works through the lens of the 20th century, thanks to arrangements by August Stradal, Samuil Feinberg, and Wilhelm Kempff.

While Fray places great emphasis on fidelity to the score, creativity is equally central to his artistry. From this unique blend emerges a level of virtuosity that perfectly aligns with the musical legacy represented by the Cziffra Festival.

In the first half of the concert, the French Baroque makes an appearance through works by Couperin and Rameau, culminating in three sonatas by the Neapolitan-born Scarlatti. And since the theme is experimentation, the finale gives voice to Richard Wagner — the great reformer, or perhaps fulfiller, of German art born of Bach’s legacy — whose musical visions are here reimagined through the language of the piano, in transcriptions by Franz Liszt and Hans von Bülow.

David Fray appears by arrangement of Arabella Arts. www.arabella-arts.com

The Cziffra Festival is supported by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Bethlen Gábor Fund Management Ltd., and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.