Norwegian mezzo-soprano Hege Høisæter continues to push the boundaries of modern vocal performance with her latest album, Himmelskygge. Released via the esteemed label LAWO Classics, this ambitious collection serves as a definitive exploration of the current Norwegian contemporary song landscape. By uniting a diverse roster of established and emerging creative voices, Høisæter presents an auditory experience that seamlessly bridges the gap between classical heritage, electronic experimentation, and improvisational jazz influences.
Central to the record is the inclusion of pianist Jorunn Marie Bratlie, whose collaboration with Høisæter grounds the project in a refined technical foundation. The album also features the innovative work of composer and electronic musician Kari Telstad Sundet, whose song cycle, The Drift, stands as the creative anchor of the project.
Based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson, The Drift utilizes a sophisticated blend of acoustic instrumentation and electronic textures to craft an immersive, deeply personal sonic environment. Sundet’s involvement as both composer and performer provides the album with a cohesive, forward-thinking identity.
The programming of Himmelskygge is meticulously curated to highlight the versatility of the contemporary mezzo-soprano repertoire. The album opens with Olav Anton Thommessen’s Cosima minnes, a dramatic interpretation of Wagnerian motifs, which effectively sets an adventurous tone. The tracklist is further diversified by the lyrical explorations found in the works of Carl Gustav Sparre Olsen, alongside the genre-defying contributions of the jazz ensemble Tov a Vot.
Featuring Vetle Nærø on piano and keys, Theis Jakob on bass, and Ola Grindbakken on drums, Tov a Vot contributes the Two Dystopian Songs, providing a fresh perspective that challenges traditional vocal boundaries. The project concludes with Gisle Kverndokk’s luminous Ave Verum, offering a moment of quiet transcendence.
Through this synthesis of talent and genre, Høisæter solidifies her role in shaping the ongoing evolution of Nordic musical expression.
