WISDOM - LOVE - ETERNITY

Michael G. Cunningham

OVERVIEW

On his latest release on Navona Records, WISDOM-LOVE-ETERNITY, composer Michael G. Cunningham presents a collection of his choral works, performed by the Kühn Choir of Prague conducted by Marek Vorlíček, which explore the spiritual element of the human condition, addressing the uncertainty of death, the inexpressible emotion of love, and humans’ search for an understanding of God.

Poetry plays a significant role in many of the works in the album. Poetry from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Shakespeare, C. P. Cranch, Francesco Petrarch, Robert Herrick, Robert Burns, P. B. Shelley, and others is introduced, inspiring contemplative, dramatic, and elaborate vocal harmonies, instrumental accompaniment, and musical imagery. Some of Cunningham’s more austere writing is found in his setting of text from the Christian liturgy in works such as Come, Holy Spirit (1975) and The West Wind (1961).

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HIGHLIGHTS

Audiophile Audition praises Michael G. Cunningham as “a gifted and interesting composer”

Cunningham has written over 200 compositions, spanning virtually every medium. He is a respected educator and author, with more than ten books published focusing on the subjects of composition and music theory

His works have been performed in Europe, Japan, Australia, and throughout the United States

Cunningham’s other albums – PARAGONIA, SONIC FLIGHT, GALLERY, and COLONNADE – are available through Navona Records

His works are featured on the Navona compilations VOICES OF EARTH & AIR, QUADRANTS, and CONTINUUM

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Biography

Michael G. Cunningham was born in Warren MI in 1937 and holds music degrees from Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Indiana University. After limited teaching appointments at four different universities, he remained Professor of Theory and Composition at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire from 1973 to 2006. Information on his various music theory and composition textbooks can be found on his website:

www.scoredreamer.com

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ALSO ON NAVONA RECORDS

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PARAGONIA (NV5982)