Proscenium Moments
Navona, 2020
8/10
The composer Michael G. Cunningham is aligned with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra and Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava for these 7 involved pieces that revolve around the mid-to-late 20th Century.
“Counter Currents, Op. 16b” starts the listen with the flowing and tense strings that can retreat to calm moments, too, and “Time Frame, Op. 90a” follows with the well timed keys adding a hint of mystery to a cinematic and unpredictable landscape.
Approaching the middle, “TransActions, Op. 90b” emits meticulous strings and firm brass, while “Symphony No. 7, Op. 293” unfolds across 4 chapters that are haunting, key focused and rumbling with intrigue.
The final piece, the soothing and pretty “Nocturne No. 6 in D-Flat Major, Op. 63 (Arr. M.G. Cunningham for Orchestra)”, then weaves the winds in and out of much beauty and grace.
An academic and author, too, Cunningham’s vision embraces conflict, power and spontaneity that is well preserved here.
Travels well with: Gruca White Ensemble- A Different Take; Wagner- Tristan und Isolde