"I felt my life was over." - Alex Klein

Living the Classical Life: Episode 51
In an intensely personal conversation, Grammy-winning oboist Alex Klein traces the ups and downs of a most unusual career, from a childhood with attention deficit and learning to play without an instrument, to becoming the Principal Oboist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In a first for the show, the symptoms of musician’s dystonia are demonstrated visually and through an emotional account of how to live with a crippling condition. Full of anecdotes, musical and artistic concepts, and confessions, this episode is sure to have viewers talking.

[@dimialves1013]

I've had the privilege of watching him play live 3 times (Mozart, Strauss, Bach). Alex Klein doesn't play oboe, he does magic with sound!

[@patriciagil1390]

Thank you for the talk, it was really nice to hear that. On the other hand, as a musician who suffers focal dystonia, I have to say that before giving up your dreams, you need to try, to do your best to find solutions before thinking about doing other things. It is curable, there are many treatments going on now that work, in different ways. It's hard, it's painful, but I encourage every musician with focal dystonia not to give up on what you want to do in your life. I hope I can cure mine, and I'm working on that.

[@olgasandakova7144]

Alex is such an amazing amazing amazing personality in addition to being the gifted and renowned musician! What a life lesson to all of us. A super example of humble wisdom. Zsolt is at his best with his delicate but probing questions. The entire series is such a source - no a fountain - of inspiration !

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Olga Sandakova! You help us to continue!

[@abbeyoffice833]

Wow!!!! What an amazing documentary - absolutely outstanding Peter. And deep gratitude to Zsolt for his clear questioning and genuine interest. Alex Klein is a wonderful musician
but he is also a humble and very profound teacher beyond the music world. I work alot with people and i will offer the link to this talk for many. Alex .... you can rest assured that you are saving lives. Much gratitude to you all for the series and in particular for this episode.

[@marcopellegatti]

Such a wonderful musician! Tempered by an excruciatingly difficult life experience. Alex stll has a lot to share with the world through his refined musicianship and natural talent. Thanks for sharing this poignant and thoughtful interview.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Marco Pellegatti!

[@sultanvoices]

An incredible reality check for artists (and related types of work and life) who encounter such obstacles. I appreciate the brutal and sometimes difficult honesty of Alex Klein. I think something about this can also apply for artists who suffer from collapses in mental health or personality, where hopelessness and an imminent end can be felt. Despite the seemingly impossible difficulties, an artist can divert, expand, and continue to create and work. This interview greatly impacted me, and I thank you as always for creating and sharing such important conversations.

[@ericagoehring1089]

This was so moving! Thank you for sharing this incredible story.

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

Thanks for watching, Erica Goehring!

[@gordian99]

That was tremendous.

[@mariadicavalcanti4048]

Amazing true life story! Thank you!!!!

[@LivingtheClassicalLife]

We agree! Thanks for watching, Maria Di Cavalcanti!

[@hautbois2]

Eres el mejor Alex!!

[@dengjielong1970]

I love Alex Klein！

[@danielbartholomew-poyser4195]

Wow.