Search - David Chesky :: Chesky: The Fantasies

EXHILARATING FLIGHTS OF SWIRLING FANTASY

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 01/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The five FANTASIES are, quite simply, tour de forces all.



In turns, moody, ecstatic, introspective, extrovert, subtle, brilliant, luminous or rhythmically propulsive, Chesky's FANTASIES are arresting works of incredible ingenuity and invention; yet, while completely original in thought and composition, the composer never hesitates to daringly intertwine or assimilate a multitude of musical "inspirations," or to seem uncannily improvisational in the most thrilling way.



Fantasy No. 1, for example, begins with an exceptionally alluring arpeggiated strumming, evocative of Albeniz, Granados and de Falla, and then broadens diametrically to hint at Scriabin and, most broadly, Prokofiev. The progression from samba-like opening to riveting toccata conclusion is nothing less than gripping.



Fantasy No. 2 surges with the rhythmic drive of Villa-Lobos spirited along by the contrapuntal manifestations of Schoenberg. In the slow, atmospheric trio, the muses of Ireland, Bax and Faure linger longingly, perfectly. Fantasy No. 3, after a robust opening, invokes Debussy and Ravel; the improvisatory middle section is impressionistic as well, but somber and very much in the spirit of Granados.



With the Fantasy No. 4 we encounter Prokofiev-like running tonal clusters that are hair-raising. The mysterioso middle section, a singularly beautiful event, is imbued with a world-weary pathos not easily forgotten.



Fantasy No. 5 electrifies with a Shostakovich-like bravura chordal entry whose syncopated rhythms sweep up and down the keyboard. Driving elements give way to an almost Gershwinian lyricism in the trio section, musings of the most haunting kind, and then return to electrify once again in this most progressive of FANTASIES.



The two Choros included (No.'s 20 and 21) differ entirely from the FANTASIES in that they are more introspective works, with hints of Chopin, late Liszt and Debussy. They are dreamy, luminescent pieces--- night songs, as it were--- rich in melodic content. [One can only hope that David will record them all... eventually.]



The FANTASIES are powerfully original piano works: classical, improvisational, jazzy, modern utterances. Chesky is an excellent pianist, as well as composer, whose synthesis is immaculate. The sound afforded him is realistic and full.



[Running time: 69:04]



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