Quebecoise harpist Valérie Milot has performed on over 100 recordings. She appears both as a soloist and in ensemble settings with such orchestras as Les Violons du Roy and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. In 2008 she became the first harpist in nearly a century to win Prix d’Europe.

Milot’s latest release, Nebulæ, features an intriguing cross section of solo harp music. Her album liner notes state that it is the audio portion of a dual project, in conjunction with a live performance tour which includes projections and “exposes scientific and philosophical themes through the science of astral phenomena.” She encourages her listeners to reflect and meditate on their place in the universe.

New works by Denis Gougeon and Amelie Fortin are featured, along with works by Debussy, Gluck, Liszt, etc. Harpist Carlos Salzedo’s composition Jeux d’eau, Op.29 has sudden descending glissandos, vibratos, lower and higher pitched sounds, repeated notes and a melody section adding colourful “watery” interest. The closing soft section with single detached notes is so enticing.

Milot’s colleague Amélie Fortin composed Lux, a solemn piece with atonal sounds at times. An unexpected sudden silent space leads to more classic harp sounds like diverse pitches, high notes and melodies leading to a sudden ending. Milot’s arrangement of William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost Rag has a more rock/jazz feel with accented melody, low notes and grooves. A full band sound is created by her virtuosic playing.

Regardless of whether you do or don’t meditate, Milot’s colourful harp playing here in 14 solo tracks is amazing musical listening.