Psathas' majestic Cloud Folk makes full use of the many timbres and tones available in the percussion world, making it a highly fulfilling work for those ensembles who can master it. Cloud Folk's soundscape transforms in subtle shades, with the ensemble requiring an excellent grasp of technique to balance the work's layers of activity. Elsewhere in the work, dynamic passages provide platforms for exciting solo material to shine through.
The Cloud Folk are (imaginary) visitors to earth, invisibly parked in our upper atmosphere, observing 21st century human behavior. I'd imagined an arrival driven by optimism, intense curiosity, and excitement; followed quickly by incomprehension, shock, and the hastiest possible departure (back into a wondrous universe teeming with life). With no contact made, in fact avoided at all costs, we were never aware we'd been visited. The music loosely follows this narrative.
