Composing For Choir With Eric Whitacre

[@tonycrowne755]

Get you a man that talks about you the way Eric Whitacre talks about choir music

[@DGalzak]

i wanna talk about you

[@michaeltablet8577]

Or find a woman who loves you like a new pair of shoes. 😁

[@lilymuseic]

Thanks for making me smile from my heart all the way!

[@dutonic]

Came here looking for techniques on orchestrating cool choir parts. Ended up finding the coolest choir dude ever

[@ARZiehm]

You can tell a lot of his success comes from how charismatic of a speaker he is, and how well he ties emotional language to his ideas. Really smart guy.

[@benjaminmjones5021]

4:07 The correct way to label chords 2019

[@joshuamoses329]

This comment made me laugh 😂

[@Calakapepe]

Hahaha!

[@digitalconsciousness]

XD my sides..

[@santoor_rishi]

"It's so human." Such a simple sentence, but so extremely powerful.

[@SvintMvrcus]

Rishi Nair literally said it right when I read this

[@TachyBunker]

Lol of course it's human

[@joshualerner180]

Eric, if this message ever gets to you: thank you with all my voice and heart your passion is transmitted so clearly and potently, emboldening my fire for playing and writing with voices i haven't even been so excited for a virtual library as yours and i just want to send my appreciation to you as an artist, singer, and human

[@zenith_journey]

his passion is contagious, what a cool dude.

[@albenhort_official]

My choir sang Whitacre quite frequently lately and i wanted to start writing choral music too and i took his pieces as my inspiration. Finding this video was such a lovely surprise

[@andrelefebvre5453]

Probably the best preview to a library I ever watched. An artist breathing his art, loving the human voice for profound reasons, and building stories that can draw us in while showcasing some of the best choral voices around. I enjoyed hearing about his creative process especially. I could never afford the library, but I will never forget how this presentation made me feel about creating music... Thank you Eric!

[@RyanStellaYT]

Same experience. Got to college, joined a choir, and my world was opened to how special writing for voice is. Instruments can't do what the voice can!

[@kathrynmarie4470]

eric whitacre is the bob ross of choral composing

[@kevinbrennen6773]

This is the best description I've ever heard and sums it up perfectly.

[@Jakeroo767]

Facts bro

[@Jakeroo767]

So true tho

[@scotsmanthompson9191]

I’ll just put a happy little dissonance over here.......

[@XiyuYang]

His passion and love towards music is so impactful

[@braprap362]

alternative title: "eric whitacre fangirls over dissonance for 28 minutes"

[@raularaujostrw]

gabe wabe So much insecurity in so few words! Well done! 😙

[@josephalvarez5315]

Logan A it's possible to make a joke about someone while still liking them! Talk about being insecure...

[@BarbaraKrolOfficial]

Grrr...Ok, I feel so exposed.

[@braprap362]

@@raularaujostrw no, this wasn't meant to offend! i'm hugely inspired by this man and his use of dissonance is the reason i got into composing

[@Gee-no]

F#@king hilarious. But true.

[@CurtisWinsor]

Will pay extra for Eric Whitacre’s actual voice.

[@greggeverman5578]

I second!

[@greggeverman5578]

:)

[@lunao19]

😆❤

[@raoufghojoghi8700]

Exactly!

[@TJ_ax]

Eric is a genius. Would love to meet him some day.

[@MichaelBogaMusic]

Super amazing to have Eric himself presenting the product and sharing his feelings and stories! Glad I got that library! Thank you Spitfire and Eric!

[@benderocks788]

Interesting. Thanks Spitfire Audio for the educational elements in your videos, makes it way more interesting than just 100% product placement. I've been composing music for 40+ years now, and as a self-taught composer, and having this eternal curiosity to learn new things, watching your videos is often an enriching experience. And that Eric Whitacre's choir library, WOW, just makes me drool! Those nice dissonances he was playing brings me back almost 30 years when I first heard Arvo Pärt's choral work. That was a life changing experience to me, and Arvo's music still resonate with me as much today. Eric Whitacre's music seems to also have that same timelessness quality as Arvo Pärt's music. So thanks again Spitfire Audio for that Eric Whitacre video.

[@GrahamCaseyMus]

I love Eric’s enthusiasm and have often wondered how he approached his compositions. Thank you for posting this; great sounds.

[@wavetech_]

I don't think I have ever related to the way another person views music as much as with Eric. His passion about sound and emotion is what kept me.

[@SlowDescentToWild]

I've just bought this library and this is one of the most inspiring things I've seen. I love Eric's love of astronomy and composition. I'm awestruck!

[@ozboomer_au]

I simply love how Eric gets so excited about the lil' nuances of the *sounds*... how it hooks into his 'Deep Field' piece.. and the emotions he feels and communicates to the listener... Fascinating.. and inspiring. Joyous.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Very interesting to hear his backstory and philosophies along with the music. The cluster chords are awesome too.

[@Prefesuersheen]

Always a treat seeing you comment on these music related videos. Your channel is one of my favorites, thank you for all of the information that I’ve learned from you!

[@Herfinnur]

I expected an run through of a sample library and got a wonderful master class! thank you Eric and thank you Spitfire Audio. I think I got more insight into choir composition and arrangement from this half hour than I've gotten in the previous three years of (admittedly haphazard) reading on the subject

[@DjesseVol2]

Eric Whitacre’s voice is so soothing to listen to. This man is a treasure

[@SamRobson]

My hero!

[@Megatwilightwarrior]

Well, youre mine!

[@dismalfist]

18:22 - This advice is HUGE. As in that's becoming my go-to process from the next time I sit down. Music storyboarding is something that never even occurred to me.

[@SchizoMashups]

"I still would like to be in Depeche Mode" You and me both, buddy 😂😭

[@lamardoss]

Just purchased this and couldn't be happier with it. I know its been around for a while but everything he says here and all the other videos around this pack, are still true. I read all the reviews people have left a while back and I still get that same impression they did 3 years ago. This is truly fantastic and I cant wait to explore it more as time flies by way too fast while I do.

[@1kalb]

one of the most soothing voices, who writes some of the most soothing music. geez.

[@stevedaycreative]

'Finding these emotional moments' - I really like that. Eric's enthusiasm is infectious. Wonderful.

[@OneForTheDollyBirds]

I personally have been using the word "moods" for many years to mean "emotional moments." I place a great deal of importance on what I describe as "relationships between melody and harmony." All of this for the purpose of creating and setting forth moods (mostly short phrasal moods) for both myself and the listener. A variety of moods is what my emotions revel in--which is why I like your music so much. (I additionally attempt to avoid the writing of "character pieces," which is a trap that many musicians fall into.) The result is well worth it, because each tune winds up with a character that is different from the one that came before, and all tunes are truly original. How never to be "blocked": Come up with an algorithm that will generate musical ideas. The algorithm can be simple or complex: "Sit down at a keyboard, click the record button, and doodle" is a simple algorithm. Once your algorithm sets forth a musical idea that makes you say, "Oooh! What was that? I like it. Play it again," you just interact with it emotionally to write MORE based on it. If you're writing homophony, worry ONLY about melody and homophonic harmonic structures. Do things like background lines LATER, when arranging, instead of now, when composing. You say, "What do I want to hear first?" Then you say, "What do I want to hear next?" Then you say, "And what if I do THIS?" You'll make more decisions in a few hours than an executive will make in an entire year. At some point, you'll stop to determine the structure of the piece, if you didn't already have a reason to determine it. Most often, you'll know in advance that you need to fill m minutes, so you'll figure out how many elapsed beats at what tempo you'll need, to fill m minutes, and how you want to divide the piece up into sections. Once you know how many sections and bars you need to fill, and you're interacting emotionally with what you've been coming up with, the music virtually completes itself. At some point, you'll break for lunch. Do you know how many times I came back from lunch and heard the music differently? When you're properly fueled up and ready to go, you'll hear things better than when you were tired and hungry. So, rest and make changes as necessary. Once you've got a tune, THEN you can worry about spotting comping voicings, and coming up with bass lines, foreground groups, independent background lines, background groups, and so on. Polyphony is different: There are no "comping voicings" or "bass lines" with polyphony. Polyphony will depend upon how you prefer to harmonize, which can be quite sophisticated depending upon your preferred methods, and therefore could be done EITHER when composing OR when arranging. For example, I generally like to do polyphonic implementations of homophonic tunes, so I first write a homophonic tune, then harmonize the melody using just two voices to establish full harmony for each melody note, moving a harmonizing voice as necessary when the melody moves, sometimes using just one voice to IMPLY a homophonic structure, then sometimes adding an independent background line as a fourth voice, all following the rules of good voice leading to achieve independence of the voices. Sometimes, up to five voices, but highly melodic polyphony tends to sound too crowded beyond five. Sometimes, I might break from the polyphony using, say, five-note quartal voicings. I have a sophisticated scheme for the organization, management, and manipulation of voices within vocal ranges, but that's getting into classified information. . . . So, there is no reason to ever be blocked. Just invent a way to generate a musical idea, temporarily become a fourteen year-old again, and let one happy thing happily lead to another happy thing.

[@TimShoebridge]

Wow! So inspirational. Such enthusiasm and passion for creativity. What a great teacher. Eric, you need to record a masterclass!!!

[@DanielRucci]

“Shimmering cloud... Fearful majesty... The human voice is the only instrument made by god... Invitation to a mystical world... my god, it’s just transcendent”

[@christopherpederson1021]

nailed it

[@contemplativecomposer5983]

Just got this and so far playing with it has been a dream. Can't wait to explore the endless possibilities of the voice with it :) Now that I am working with Concerts and Dramas for Church, the voice, as he said, has really gripped me in new ways!

[@juliancscs]

Chills multiple time watching this, just hearing Eric talk about music. Absolutely incredible video, what a treasure to be able to hear his insights. There are not many composers let alone people who can articulate so beautifully the way he does about music, even more so choir music. "Fearful majesty" indeed.

[@ravendevino6419]

Just hearing the single chord from "A Boy and a Girl" had me near tears. Bravo, Mr. Whitacre

[@DanielRucci]

Listen to the song loud. It’s incredible

[@ma-ma-mamary3946]

I was intro to Eric Whitacre when I sang Water Night as a junior year in high school. I had never heard anything like it & was in complete awe. Still am.

[@joshhuckmusic8868]

Honestly, I feel like Eric's explanation in this video is exactly what I needed to hear. I have had some writers block for a couple of months now and have been really struggling with it, and his definition of a visual "emotional arc" sounds very helpful and inspiring. Thanks Eric Whitacre!

[@danyjr]

What a guy, I don't even know about or interested in choirs but he got me stuck to my seat watching the whole half hour video!

[@davionhambrick8627]

What a treat it is to get a peek into the composing process of the man whose music made me fall head over heals in love with choral music.

[@avialbersbenchamo4797]

Thank you 🙏

[@BluemountScore]

Amazing to see how fascinated Eric is about this product. Real artist! :D

[@kikomeowmeow8653]

It's so great to have Eric himself presenting the product and sharing his feelings and stories! Glad I got that library! Thanks Spitfire and Eric!

[@EllaEllaEh]

Water Night was the first piece of his I had heard. Been addicted to his music ever since. Been in choirs for 30 years, so I totally understand the music nerd vibe. So glad he discovered choral music.

[@jacobsmith2280]

I love how you can hear the overtones of the oohs in the breath of the choir

[@wcm5150]

My favorite modern composer.

[@christopherpederson1021]

really, not arvo part

[@colleenbarton747]

This is absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing all that process- it is sparking ideas in me. I find sitting at the piano making chords and listening a wonderful thing too. I agree that voices in chord are the most moving of musics and find it so much balm to be in a choir where you hold chords for ages and experiment with shifts for the joy of it.

[@DVILAIN]

Thank you. You can learn through these lessons but they are also making me happy and calm. I don't know why. Thank you so much.

[@Reivax-zr4xg]

I wish I had a girl friend that look at me the same way Eric looks at music

[@Reivax-zr4xg]

I did it guys! I have a girlfriend!

[@andrerichards7808]

Congrats

[@thegreata3565]

@@Reivax-zr4xg congrats I guess

[@alexreyna6687]

Lol my girlfriend wishes I looked at her the way I look at music.. shoot no.. she wishes I listened to her the way I listened to music 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@yidneth]

Thanks for the master class, I love to do choir in my composition, I only can do the female and children by layering so I rely on libraries to add that extra "male" layer" to support sometimes and blend it. I love how the swell and how they can convey from bliss to tension. I dream of the day I can do a concert with a full real choir and orchestra.

[@jeffhijlkema]

So inspiring, the way he devotedly shows us the choir being a bearer of true emotions... that's what we wanna send out, in space I guess. Thanks Eric and Spitfire!...

[@birdz_]

Man looks like Prince Charming from shrek

[@aMessvv]

Zach Bird bruh Hahahaha

[@icguajardo9121]

Zach Bird looks like him only!

[@robertdickerson3827]

Zach Bird like the prince from Shrek and Woody Harrelson combined

[@Yagirlnyesha]

Welcome to the club

[@creatingacomposer3838]

What a treat! Will be buying it in the next few days, I honestly cannot wait. Come to the end of Eric Whitacre interviews/lectures on YT, so pleasantly surprised to see this upload.

[@alex0589]

your profile picture looks like mine so i thought i was seeing things i didnt remember commenting. Freaky.

[@stevedendera]

These sounds are just stunning. What an endearing guy as well. Just an amazing insight.

[@yadinmichaeli12]

i never watched a review for library like that i really appreciate it you thank you 😊

[@sassulusmagnus]

Excellent description of the visceral effect of close chorale harmonies, and the complexity of the human voice as an instrument.

[@johncostigan6160]

Hearing your explanation of working from the overtone series, (large intervals low, tight intervals high) was on a exam in1st semester Music Theory in college. We had to memorize it. Your use of it hit me like a ton of bricks. WOW!

[@AudioArtsAssociates]

I love your shimmering harmony. I also just love hearing you speaking…..I just swoon inside.

[@BillyPalmerMusic]

What a lovely guy to listen to :)

[@BluemountScore]

Lovely! Choir has something to it that will never be achieved with any other instrument. 16:15 awesome!!!

[@RossTregenza]

I found this so inspiring. Downloading the choir now! :)

[@Zilch79]

I'm imagining a Starfleet ship making First Contact with a newly discovered culture. They're exchanging histories, art, music, values and the best aspects of the diverse tapestry of ideas and experiences we have. This video is in that cultural cache that Starfleet sends to their new friends. Humanity doesn't get a whole lot better than this, folks. Best foot forward. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@christiaantinga]

Eric, I also was a Jean-Michel Jarre fan in my high school times. I still am actually, but I now find myself writing soundtrack music and falling back on choir. I started wondering why. "Hey, you just got it going with the synths and woodwinds..". Without realizing it, I often automatically load up a good choir library to expand the piece. After watching this video, I begin to understand why. Thank you very much!

[@hamidrezanikoofar]

This is gold right here!

[@JenniferJohnMusic]

Thank you so much for your generosity and insight. Really helpful and extremely informative.

[@leahrosenman9124]

His genius amazes me

[@chasekanipe]

Wow he's so passionate

[@AlistairMelville]

Thank you so much Eric your passion and love for your art spoke volumes. A light went on listening to you.

[@snaprockandpop]

Talk about loving your job xx

[@markjacksonturner6462]

"There is no other instrument, so intimate, as the human voice."

[@manof1000voices]

15:46 that was almost the same opening progression and key as Ola Gjeilos' O Magnum Mysterium

[@johnhetherington8830]

IT CERTAINLY DOES GO ON AND ON

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Excellent Eric. Your vision is a great one. You probably should pair with Hans Zimmer. That score, if it did exist, would be a great one. Thanks for this

[@outlanderfrog]

They did briefly for Pirates of the Caribbean 4.

[@BjornHegstad]

They did a performance of the Inception theme together with H. Zimmer.

[@jonwizard3989]

Brilliant!

[@MrKeithterrett]

Excellent insights into Eric's musical mind, wow!

[@sammy2nd]

i wish eric whitacre would just do an ambient record for once instead of writing for choir

[@SALEENS7GTR5]

Eric Whitacre and Brian Eno. I think we can have it no other way.

[@xotocnemo9997]

Thank you!

[@iridiansanchez1560]

This is the most amazing video i have ever seen. I need to learn more in order to create my own style

[@calderadelescocia7325]

Fantastic introduction and professional comment form a very nice person and great composer. What an awesome library you've made! Never heard anything like this until today... Very good job Eric, congrats!!

[@lefttac3541]

This is just Eric talking about his dissonance fetish

[@dannywayne7070]

i have the same fetish

[@raularaujostrw]

And maybe someday you’ll be lucky enough to do something that you’re crazy about and still be paid millions of dollars too. 😉

[@ko-iz3yp]

Fetish for Fs

[@sdhokie]

That's exactly why I am here

[@Yagirlnyesha]

My fetish is Eric lmao

[@mirzaaljic]

I didn't know Josh Holloway is so devoted to choral music. All jokes aside, this is an amazing video, it's so nice to know how much love went into EW Choir instrument.

[@qualitydag1]

Eric, you ARE religious but without a religion. You describe how I feel when listening to choral music and the various chords that one can play!

[@Yagirlnyesha]

I love this man... my little sister is meeting him thru Zoom this week and I am so jealous.

[@whyteian]

This is an incredibly inspiring video …

[@iliatilev]

that's awesome! 💪🏼

[@pehuensecches2548]

what a wonderful video

[@BoogieBear]

Inspirational, thank you!

[@AMBIOSIS]

Hi Eric, I so share your passion for the human voice. My first encounter was a children's choir practice on a visit to St Pauls Cathedral back in the 70's. How you can change the character of ones voice to adapt to any situation. I have both your Choirs. I wish Spitfire would fix the loading problem in the Evo part.

[@Snipersounds]

Ahhhhh! I had no idea Eric Whitacre was sooo young! Thanks for sharing! Great video!

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

He’s not. He’s in his 50s.

[@ronbeckel3079]

@@JewelBlueIbanez For many of us, That IS young.

[@andyhagertyelectronicmusic1336]

Loved this video and hope to buy your Choir VST in the future. Eric, your voice is very relaxing. You should make some relaxation 'tapes' with those fantastic choirs and voice over the top!

[@norymusic]

I feel like Jaime Lannister is teaching me music theory rn and I cannot complain.

[@emikarecords]

♥️

[@ArchangelsBeats]

This video is the Golden Brick

[@RianDenver]

Has anyone ever thought about casting him as Batman Voice Actor?

[@akshaysreeram1164]

Wow... He could be a great kevin conroy alternative

[@pretendhuman]

Wow i needed this.

[@mrconcept]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@achmadalisaifuddin41]

A perfect tool to shape up vocal technique of choir singers.

[@brandongunnarson7483]

He's a man unlike any other

[@bruadarach8914]

Wonderful

[@couragecoachsam]

"Yeah, it's nice" -Eric Whitacre 2019