Norbert Palej: Cloud Light

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 intimately to depict narrative and animate text. The second release by Canadian Art Song Project, following ASH ROSES (2014), this release continues to expand the recorded repertoire of art song by Canadian composers, performed by some of Canada's most recognized advocates of chamber music and song. Founded in 2011 by tenor Lawrence Wiliford and pianist Steven Philcox and inspired by a passion for Canadian music, Canadian Art Song Project's mission is to build on the rich legacy of Canadian song. It engages composers, librettists, and performers to share and celebrate their experiences through the creation of new music and provides opportunities for Canadian artists to program and advocate the wealth of beauty in the existing song literature.