Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “dialogue” as “a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing.” Unspoken Dialogue attempts to represent a conversation with flute and percussion. Though these instruments are played by people, the piece is not necessarily meant to depict a spoken conversation. A “dialogue” can take form in many ways and between a variety of entities, not necessarily human. Whether between two animals, within nature, or within oneself, a dialogue is about cause and effect, action and reaction. People can communicate with their eyes, actions, and facial expressions as effectively as their words, hence, “unspoken.” Even during a direct conversation, there can be a layer beneath the surface, not spoken of, but understood.

Unspoken Dialogue, composed by Alexandros D. Fragiskatos (b. 1988), takes these ideas as its basis. The flute and percussion travel through a series of discourses resulting in agreement and discord. Though the percussion is the more passive character, often with unobtrusive ostinato, it can also be seen as the more secure and confident party, standing its ground. The flute, however, represents a party ever-changing and aggressive, not afraid to speak its mind. The piece begins with the flute conveying an idea two different ways, which in return is considered by the bowed vibraphone as it births out of the fading flute. The flute becomes increasingly unstable before finally giving way to a scene of self-examination and contemplation for the vibraphone. Tension then builds as the flute interjects and there is separation between the two parties, with tonality and meter diverging. What follows is the most chaotic section, with the flute as its most insistent, and the marimba increasingly in aggressiveness. With a heightened sense of one another’s awareness, the two eventually weave into stability and a mutual understanding.

A vibraphone and 4.3 octave marimba are required for the percussion part.

For more information about Alexandros, including his other published works, visit his composer page.