In the past twenty years a new movement in classical music has emerged, often referred to as ‘new spiritual music’. Modern forms of spirituality have found inspiration in music by leading composers including Arvo Pärt, Giya Kancheli, Henryk Mikolaj Gorecki and John Tavener. The third ear explores the roots and appeal of this popular contemporary music and the tension between the composers' intentions and how the music has been received.

A range of composers whose work differs greatly has been grouped under the New Spiritual banner, including Pärt (Estonia), Kancheli (Georgia), Tavener and Gavin Bryars (United Kingdom), Gorecki (Poland) and Joep Franssens (The Netherlands). Their music has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity over the last two decades, particularly within groups of people seeking semi-religious inspiration. Pärt, who draws on the clarity of Gregorian chant in his work, has been considered the father of this musical trend. The third ear investigates the genesis of this genre of classical music and its roots in contemporary society, as well as its links to spiritual movements.

The rise of these 'new spiritualists' has not gone unnoticed. They have gained considerable commercial success, but their distinct preference for simplicity and tonality has divided the musical world. The documentary outlines this debate within classical music circles about the new spirituality, a debate that some would say pits the heart against the mind.

The third ear includes interviews with a wide range of internationally reknowned musicologists, musicians and composers, images of 'listening sessions', and sequences showing Kancheli at work. The 'new spiritual movement' - and the sublime sounds of Pärt, Kancheli, Gorecki and Tavener - are given a place within modern society and in the history of music.