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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Quartet Origin Story
- Camden Shaw and fellow violinist Brian met at Encore School for Strings and both auditioned to Curtis at age 13, later forming the Dover Quartet.
- Their quartet formed when members from a previous group joined, creating the lineup that launched their career.
Classical Roots Shaped New Direction
- Dover's early recordings focused on core repertoire like Mozart, Schumann and Beethoven, shaping their identity through classical foundations.
- After major projects they sought fresh angles, driving the Woodland Songs concept and pairing old and new voices.
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.