Hege Høisæter Showcases the Evolution of Norwegian Contemporary Music in New Album
Norwegian mezzo-soprano Hege Høisæter has officially expanded her artistic footprint with the release of her latest project, Himmelskygge. Published via LAWO Classics, this collection serves as a significant exploration into the current state of Norwegian contemporary song. The album functions as a collaborative bridge, bringing together established classical traditions with the modern influences of electronic music, improvisation, and jazz-inspired compositions.
By uniting a diverse roster of performers and composers, Høisæter presents a cohesive record that reflects the dynamic nature of the Nordic musical landscape today. Central to the record is the song cycle The Drift, composed by Kari Telstad Sundet. This centerpiece utilizes texts by Emily Dickinson and creates an immersive environment through the integration of acoustic instrumentation and electronic textures.
Sundet serves a dual function on the project as both composer and performer, establishing a distinct sonic identity that underscores the collaborative ethos of the entire release. The programme is thoughtfully arranged to guide the listener through varying emotional and stylistic terrains. It begins with the dramatic Cosima minnes by Olav Anton Thommessen, which provides a reimagining of Wagnerian motifs.
The recording also pays tribute to the lyrical tradition of Norwegian poetry through the works of Carl Gustav Sparre Olsen. A notable contribution comes from the jazz ensemble Tov a Vot, featuring Vetle Nærø on piano and keys, Theis Jakob on bass, and Ola Grindbakken on drums. Their participation, including their original contribution, Two Dystopian Songs, introduces a genre-defying perspective that challenges the traditional expectations of vocal performance.
The album reaches its conclusion with Gisle Kverndokk’s luminous Ave Verum, providing a reflective, transcendent ending to the experimental programme. Through these varied contributions, Himmelskygge acts as a vital document of the current Norwegian musical zeitgeist, inviting audiences to explore the intersection of tradition and modern innovation.
