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Sonic Flight
Michael G. Cunningham composer
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra | Kirk Trevor conductor
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Vit Micka conductor
Ondrey Lebr violin
This 2014 reissue of Michael Cunningham’s SONIC FLIGHT showcases six works for orchestra that effectively illustrate the composer’s adeptness at creating compelling large-scale compositions and presenting them through adroit, inspired orchestration techniques.
The Violin Concerto is a vigorous, energetic exploration of the instrument’s capabilities, pitting the soloist against an orchestra that seeks to both support and contrast in its accompaniment. Dialogue for Orchestra and Wind is balanced by its partner piece Diaphony for Orchestra and Wind Trio, with both compositions featuring evocative colors and sonorities. Kaleidescope lives up to its name, spinning abstract, disparate musical concepts in order to finally blend them all into a cohesive whole.
Since the initial release of this album, Cunningham’s reputation as a highly accomplished craftsman has been burnished through his other Navona releases. SONIC FLIGHT provides a look back at the composer’s evolution and yields insight into where he is heading in the future.
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Artist Information
Michael G. Cunningham
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.
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the foremost and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. It is based in the historical capital of Moravia, the city of Olomouc, and has been a leader of music activities in the region for the past 70 years. Its artistic development was directly influenced by distinguished figures from the Czech and international music scene.
