In this first recording exclusively devoted to the music of Polish-born Canadian composer Norbert Palej, CLOUD LIGHT immerses listeners in music that actively grapples with the modern understanding of art song and demonstrates that it is still a genre capable of the most profound musical expression and innovation. Featuring new songs written for and premiered by mezzo-soprano Michèle Bogdanowicz, baritone Peter McGillivray, tenor Lawrence Wiliford, soprano Jacqueline Woodley and pianist Steven Philcox, this exploration of 21st – century Canadian art song presents four works: Three Norwegian Songs (2011) for baritone and piano, Four Lyrical Moments (2013) for mezzo-soprano and piano, Cloud Light: Fourteen Small Songs (2012) performed by soprano, tenor and piano and The Demise of Argus Panoptes (2015) for SATB quartet and piano. In his settings of Canadian, Polish, Norwegian (translated into English) and classical Latin poetry, Palej demonstrates his interest and skill in working with a wide palette of vocal and instrumental colours to intimately depict narrative and animate text.
The CD can be purchased through the Centrediscs website now.
A release event will be held at the Canadian Music Centre at 20 St. Joseph Street in Toronto on January 14 at 5:30 PM. The event will feature performances of songs from the recording by all f the artists involved. More information can be found here.
Please join us!