Shadow Etchings

Orlando Cela demonstrates his ingenious ability to navigate complexities of postmodernism in chamber music and the avant garde with this rich recording of flute and piccolo treasures for the curious ear. Operating with a creative vision inspired by Frederic Chopin that “simplicity is the final achievement,” Cela invites the listener on a journey of experimental music beginning with Besingrand’s “Le soupir du roseau dans les bras du vent” in which the flutist explores the unexpected possibilities for creating sound with his instrument. Cela furthers the investigation with “Winter Variations,” by Lou Bunk (“featuring John Cage”), investigating, too, the possible extremes in lower dynamics. In Robert Gross’ “Variations on a Schenker Graph of Gesualdo,” Cela challenges the listener to decipher what is real from what is imagined. Dana Kaufman’s “Hang Down Your Head,” is the most ethnographic work on the recording, alluding to an ambiguous folk setting. It could be Nebraska; it could be Mars. The minimalism in composition lets the listener decide as Cela’s flawless delivery leads the way. Shadow Etchings is unapologetically unconventional yet simultaneously accessible to even the untrained ear. If you are looking to expand your horizons, this is the place to start.