Choctaw Places
Lorelt, 2025
9/10
The composer Charles Shadle enlists the Lontano Ensemble and conductor Odaline de la Martinez for these tracks that are dedicated to his native Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and it embraces the tribe’s cultural, spiritual and physical link to its environment.
“Limestone Gap” opens the record with Rowland Sutherland’s dreamy flute amid Clare O’Connell’s mature cello in a very colorful climate, and “Red Cedar” follows with Dominic Saunders’ animated piano and Andrew Sparling’s lively clarinet emitting a cinematic quality.
“Andante comodo” and “Scherzo: Allegro giocoso” land in the middle. The former is cautious, elegant and benefits much from Caroline Balding’s violin, while the latter is a busy and textured album highlight where the strings dance around the winds with much playfulness.
Residing close to the end, “Lento expressivo, poco malinconico” spotlights Rachel Harwood White’s skilled oboe, which suits the heartfelt strings, and “Luminoso” exits with Abbigale Bowen’s strategic viola that complements the meticulous chamber presence.
An enlightening portrait body of work, Shadle drew from his own memories and those of his Choctaw ancestors for a truly engaging and substantial chamber affair.
Travels well with: Patrick Zimmerli- Songs Of Innocence; BMOP- Dalit Hadass Warshaw: Sirens