Alex Klein - Twentieth Century Oboe Concertos (LP)

"Twentieth Century Oboe Concertos" is a captivating exploration of the oboe's expressive range, showcasing the virtuosity of renowned oboist Alex Klein. Released in 2000 under the Cedille label, this chamber music album spans a little over an hour and twenty minutes, featuring seven tracks that highlight the oboe's versatility and the composer's ingenuity.

The album opens with Bohuslav Martinů's Oboe Concerto, H. 353, a three-movement piece that demonstrates the oboe's lyrical and technical prowess. The concerto was composed with Alex Klein in mind, reflecting a personal connection between the composer and the performer. The second half of the album presents three movements from an unnamed Oboe Concerto, each with its distinct character, from the reflective "In Memoriam" to the lively "Frevo."

Accompanied by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paul Freeman, and with Daniela Kosinova on piano, Alex Klein delivers a compelling performance that underscores his reputation as one of the leading figures of the American oboe school. This album is a testament to Klein's artistry and a celebration of the oboe's enduring appeal in the classical music repertoire.