Alex Klein & Phillip Bush

When There Are No Words…

Cedille, 2022

8/10

Listen to When There Are No Words…

The Grammy winner Alex Klein, who is Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s former primary oboe player, pairs up with the esteemed pianist Phillip Bush for a listen that was inspired by 20th century political turmoil, and showcases works by Paul Hindesmith, Pavel Haas, William Bolcom, Benjamin Britten, José Siqueira and Klement Slavicky.

“Sonata for Oboe and Piano” opens the listen with the 2 instruments blending fluidly with much attention to mood that’s both swift and playful, and warm and cautious, and “Suite for Oboe and Piano” follows with a bit of mystery as a cinematic quality is emitted via the careful interaction.

“Aubade- for the continuation of Life” lands in the middle and gets a bit darker as the oboe glides with an emotive appeal and the keys are manipulated with a bare demeanor, while “Temporal Variations” rumbles with a low intensity that builds into fascinating piano acrobatics that few could replicate.

"Suite for Oboe and Piano”, this time by Klement Slavicky, exits the listen with very skilled and purposeful dynamics between the duo that you can’t help but admire.

The packaging is just as impressive as the music, and includes a 20 page booklet that explains each song with much depth, and that combined with the themes of anti-militarism, nuclear war, and political anxiety only further solidify the effort as timeless.

Travels well with: Will Liverman- Dreams Of A New Day; Third Coast Percussion- Fields