Gramophone Classical Music Podcast The Dover Quartet on recording Woodland Songs | Gramophone Podcast
Aug 15, 2025
Joel Link and Camden Shaw, members of the renowned Dover Quartet formed at the Curtis Institute, delve into their latest album, Woodland Songs. They explore the fascinating fusion of Dvořák's 'American' Quartet with contemporary works inspired by Indigenous music. The duo reflects on their musical evolution, the emotional journey of debuting new compositions, and the creative challenges of arranging diverse cultural elements. Their insights reveal a deep commitment to blending classical and modern narratives while mentoring the next generation of musicians.
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Family Influence Sparked The Project
- Joel Link's aunt introduced him to Ulali and Indigenous music through a CD, sparking curiosity about American musical roots.
- That exposure helped seed the idea to pair Dvořák with contemporary Indigenous composers on the album.
How They Connected With Jerod Tate
- The quartet met Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate via their producer Alan Bice, who recommended him after prior collaborations.
- Tate worked collaboratively, accepting suggestions yet firmly defending certain musical choices during the process.
Structure And Cultural Roots Of Woodland Songs
- Woodland Songs is a five-movement work, each inspired by Chickasaw clans and animal characters, blending narrative form with Indigenous meaning.
- Tate identifies as a "Chickasaw classical composer," favoring long-form storytelling for strings while bringing fresh idioms.