Release Date: April 26, 2019
Catalog #: NV6222
Format: Digital & Physical
21st Century
Liturgical
Vocal Music
Choir

Ecumenical Spirit

The Choral Music Of Michael G. Cunningham

Michael G. Cunningham composer

Composer Michael G. Cunningham introduces the beauty of sacred choral compositions with the unique energy of the live recording. “Ecumenical” is defined as the promotion of unity among different Christian churches across the world, and ECUMENICAL SPIRIT celebrates the unifying powers of music as it transcends the borders of all differences.

ECUMENICAL SPIRIT begins on a powerful note with the triumphant New Beginnings. With rousing percussion, resonant horns, and the incomparable energy of the full choir. This travels into The Annunciation, beginning with an ethereal, dissonant piano entrance before the women’s choir rises into a lighter, major section, working through various prayers and intercessions. The piano and vocals almost seem to imitate each other as the piece flows through prayers, providing tones that are at times tender, chilling, triumphant, and fiery, but with each balancing the others out by the end. ECUMENICAL SPIRIT then works through various common prayers, from The Lord’s Prayer to The Prayer of St. Francis as well as a spellbinding full Mass setting and a celebration of The Holy Spirit in six movements.

The power of the live album is in the living, breathing reality of each moment. Background sounds and raw, untouched voices bring the listener right into the room as the work is being performed. ECUMENICAL SPIRIT brings the genuine reality of the live performance to listening ears, and Navona Live has preserved these energy-filled moments for future listeners to enjoy.

Listen

Hear the full album on YouTube

Artist Information

Michael G. Cunningham

Composer

A great artist can manifest answers to otherwise perplexing aspects of our world through their craft and help us find understanding. Composer, author, and long-time PARMA artist Michael G. Cunningham (1937-2022) was the embodiment of this truth, a prolific artist whose timeless body of work will resonate for years to come. From symphonies and other orchestral works to piano pieces, art songs, opera, choral compositions, and works for jazz ensembles spanning 11 Navona Records releases, Cunningham showed an unwavering dedication to sharing his music with the world. Upon receiving his doctorate from Indiana University, Cunningham embarked on an artistic journey that would lead him to write over 250 musical compositions spanning multiple genres, pedagogical music books, and more.