The Norwegian music scene enters a new era of artistic synthesis with the release of Himmelskygge, the latest project from renowned mezzo-soprano Hege Høisæter. Distributed by LAWO Classics, this album serves as a definitive exploration of the modern Nordic song repertoire, bridging the gap between historical composition and contemporary experimentation. By assembling an eclectic group of collaborators, including pianist Jorunn Marie Bratlie, composer Kari Telstad Sundet, and the jazz ensemble Tov a Vot, Høisæter constructs a narrative that honors Norwegian tradition while embracing the cutting edge of sound design.
Central to the album is the song cycle The Drift, composed by Kari Telstad Sundet. Drawing on the evocative poetry of Emily Dickinson, the piece creates an immersive atmosphere through the integration of acoustic instrumentation and intricate electronic textures. Sundet’s involvement extends beyond composition, as she performs on the recording, ensuring the project retains a singular, cohesive sonic identity. This collaborative ethos is further supported by the contributions of the jazz trio Tov a Vot, composed of Vetle Nærø on piano and keys, Theis Jakob on bass, and Ola Grindbakken on drums. Their inclusion brings a vital, genre-defying energy to the record, particularly through their composition and performance of the Two Dystopian Songs.
The programme is meticulously structured to guide the listener through diverse aesthetic landscapes. It begins with the dramatic resonance of Olav Anton Thommessen’s Cosima minnes, which reimagines Wagnerian motifs, and transitions into the refined lyrical beauty found in the settings of Carl Gustav Sparre Olsen. The journey reaches a reflective and transcendent conclusion with Gisle Kverndokk’s Ave Verum. By fostering this dialogue between established masters and contemporary voices, Himmelskygé provides a comprehensive portrait of the current Norwegian musical landscape. It stands as a testament to the versatility of the mezzo-soprano voice and the endless possibilities of collaborative, cross-disciplinary musical expression. 
