Emilie Cecilia LeBel, a Canadian composer known for her innovative approach to concert music, releases Landscapes of Memory on October 18, 2024, through Redshift Records. This work represents LeBel's second recorded offering, following her debut field studies which earned her a 2024 JUNO Award nomination for Best Classical Composition.

Landscapes of Memory consists of two extended piano solos, each over thirty minutes long. The album showcases LeBel's characteristic compositional style, which focuses on textural landscapes, resonance, and variations in tonal color. Both pieces employ an unconventional technique: EBows—electromagnetic devices typically associated with electric guitars—placed inside the piano to create a sustained drone effect.

The first composition, "ghost geography" (2022), is performed by Toronto-based pianist Wesley Shen. LeBel dedicates this piece to "the North Saskatchewan River – its many iterations, its ghosts," suggesting a connection to the natural world and the concept of memory in landscapes. The work features a low drone throughout, subtly blending with the piano's resonances and creating an ethereal atmosphere.

"pale forms in uncommon light" (2023), the second piece on the album, is interpreted by Brazilian-Canadian pianist Luciane Cardassi. This five-movement work draws inspiration from the montane ecoregion of Alberta, specifically the light patterns filtering through various tree species. The EBow drone in this piece is more prominent, positioned in the piano's middle register and shifting with each movement.

LeBel's compositional approach demonstrates her interest in the piano's sonic possibilities. She activates various overtones by focusing on articulation and velocity, adding depth and dimensionality to the instrument's sound. The EBow drones expand this sonic palette, creating a complex interplay between sustained tones and played notes.

LeBel's musical career has been marked by notable achievements and appointments. She served as the Affiliate Composer with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 2018 to 2022 and held the position of Composer-in-Residence with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 2015. Her work has garnered critical acclaim, with conductor Sir Andrew Davis praising her before his passing in 2024 for "writing music that reflects her intelligence and audaciousness."

Landscapes of Memory is a continuation of LeBel's exploration of subtle, delicate music that emphasizes otherworldly sounds. Through this album, she invites listeners to experience a world where the boundaries between composed music and natural resonance blur, creating a contemplative space that echoes the complexities of memory and landscape.