Eric Whitacre answers your questions (May 2011)

[@Rovelius39X7]

The man compares composition to Legend of Zelda. I am a fan for life.

[@someoneelse7287]

+Madara Uchiha When does he mention that

[@1gnore_me.]

eric whitacre is link

[@MCMeru]

So fuckin true xD

[@KiltedGreen]

What a refreshingly straightforward, sympathetic, tender and honest man. The genuine article. So handsome too - it's unfair ... ;-)

[@bubbaG42]

I liked him a lot before but now that i watched this just makes him my favorite composer and a really good all around person :) you're the best Eric

[@Bouncybon]

A disturbingly nice person. I don't think I can handle his polish, courtesy and graciousness. The perfect talented dude with the perfect life. But that's just me. Sorry everyone. (I'd better go looking for people who are more flawed.)

[@hannahiscool9754]

"I'm probably getting high while I'm writing... Well, that's one of the perks of the job, I suppose." 7:50

[@angipang]

Eric, for all your many personal gifts, life blessings, accomplishments, and world-wide acclaim you seem to have remain untouched by it all and kept what's really important in front of you. I admire your balance of humility and self-respect. Thanks for your example!

[@chocchipcookiegirl]

He is amazing and so is his hair!! :D

[@thelisabarone]

I love how he calls his fans dorks.

[@Octavoification]

Thank you, Eric. What an open, generous heart.

[@heartofhawaii8232]

Eric, thank you for the musical Gifts from Heaven that flow endlessly through all your work. Clearly you create directly from the Source within. What If, Sleep, Lux Aurumque.. and others...have moved my Soul with pureJOY, Passion, Love and Light..over and over again. Many " Blissings" on your musical Journey.

[@Biggerthanustheduo]

Thank you for being so real. I relate to your writing process. A disconnect from the mind, and a connection to something far greater. You write what needs to come next, feeling the urgency and importance in portraying properly that which needs voice. When you come into alignment with the movement and the spirit, the piece almost writes itself. Keep going. When you come to a place of reverence at the depth of love, it's painful but it brings truth and freedom to people. Bless you.

[@TheNaenae1313]

I never had any doubt that it was actually you. I find I can always tell the difference between the actual person, and that person's manager or assistant or something. And thank you for sharing!!! I imagine some of those questions were a little difficult to answer, but I, and I am sure everyone else, thoroughly enjoyed hearing your opinions.

[@danieldellamarine1363]

The first question. As one who composes pieces for fun, I find this very relatable. Eric Whitacre is a huge inspiration to me.

[@coyoteserranomusic]

I love this quote, A work of art is never finished, merely abandoned - Picasso

[@MusicalMatthew]

I have perfect pitch and I know EXACTLY what you mean about thinking on the fly about what notes you are singing next when it's transposed. It becomes so engrained to sing something in one key and changing it becomes difficult. But I use perfect pitch in many different ways and I enjoy having it. There are still those times when people get off or play a note they aren't supposed to and I notice, but that's become minor ever since my High School choral teacher had us sing your works. :-)

[@djeome]

Is that the Royal Albert hall I can see in the distance? Great interview and I love the way you describe the emotions of your work and how you write by mainly feeling it and tat guides you. Even if it is at the cost of making you feel something you are uneasy with.

[@whispersofworship]

Eric you mentioned you are not Christian, however your music its absoluely heavenly.

[@CamilleMag]

I love what you say about your music being translated and sung. I believe things should be done in the language in which they are written- lyrics are either written to the music or music written to the lyrics and they cannot be interchanged and 'mean' the same thing as the original.

[@kelrenfro5764]

At 8:21 in this video my heart broke. I think maybe that Dr./Mr. Whitacre wants to feel a "cellular-level" (as he put it) connection with God, as he often does with poetry, before he could commit to Christianity. To you, sir, if you haven't felt it yet, then one day you will.

[@Mediaright]

Man...this guy's on another level...

[@RachelSings21]

My goodness me what a guy. I bet every woman in his choir has a MASSIVE crush on him...I absolutely would. He’s just amazing in every respect. Lucky wife! 😍🔥🙌🏻

[@dafnielissa6727]

this man is already a music legend

[@WatergirlK14]

My band played 'Lux Aurumque' in our concert at the Iowa Bandmasters Association in Des Moines and some people were crying because your song was so beautiful

[@xoclkox]

Great video! Loved the answers to all of the questions. Can't wait to hear more from ya! Oh! And don't say that we wouldn't write to you if you lost your hair! We love your hair, but we aren't that shallow of fans! (^_^)

[@TheSolsonia2003]

PURE INSPIRATION....FROM SPIRIT....THE ONE INFINITE MIND....THANK YOU...

[@Tenorfied]

I love you, Eric! I can't wait to sing with you!

[@rlcompositions]

Thanks alot for the answer to my question! I to am a fan of pencil and paper style, but I am a fan of using Sibelius/Finale to help me render out what it will possibly sound like when im done!

[@sarahowen2233]

The story about your friend with perfect pitch, Eric. It reminds me of the process an instrumentalist must go through to transpose on the fly. Both voice and instrumental music has their challenges and difficult things that are unique to each other, for sure! :)

[@Beokabatuka]

I'm a 16 year old composer-hopeful trying to work on classical composing when I can, but unfortunately I just don't have time or the methodology to do it consistently or even well. I'm saving up for finale but just wish that one day I could rise to a position like Ludovico Einaudi or Eric. I'll continue working hard though! Eric's stuff helps me a lot, and I know I just have to keep trying!

[@DawnsVlogs]

that was the best thing to hear him reference that! Pretty epic =p

[@vincentstuart3148]

Eric is a fine composer He loves tone clusters MR" Cluster! It does not matter, fine writing for voice Talented composer

[@lucyfoster4082]

A fucking brilliant man! A great communicator!

[@FitzEm08]

Eric has a wonderful sense of humor. :p

[@Lamont1994]

Yes, that hair comment!!

[@ClassyMarching14]

My god he is gorgeous and talented.

[@granteddreams1]

Love to know what inspired Eric to compose Water Nights?

[@VampyreBytch]

You made Lux Arumque and You play ZELDA? No wonder you're so amazing.

[@allybailey2793]

i love eric!!! XD

[@MyFlamsAreLethal]

I'm so glad Sawyer from Lost finally got his music career kickstarted.

[@RyanDeJager]

this man is the whole package lol

[@xodn3300]

he's really likeable

[@p.e.gottrocks4528]

I'm composer too. I stuck on the first note. Now what?

[@trevorjensen9300]

+P.E. Gottrocks, did you finish the song yet?

[@BjornHegstad]

Look on the internet for scholarship programs in your country. Use the scholarship to enter a university and study music with professors there. It'll also provide you ensembles and choirs to work with. Good luck!

[@maunavrrt4046]

Not only is this man an amazing composer, but he also plays Zelda. Hello? Who made him?

[@BjornHegstad]

I think that another valid comparison would be: "Composing is like playing through a Zelda game: Sometimes you're stuck at a certain part for weeks, until the solution suddenly strikes you, appearing obvious."

[@chromesthesia]

I want to know if he has synesthesia too. I have good pitch, but I think I need ear training.

[@TheReighnart]

It's a key!!!! That takes you to the next level!!!! Oh my gosh! Eric Whitacre. XD dude! Zelda reference!

[@HannahScaer]

It's graphite, not lead, sorry Mr. Whitacre.

[@Beokabatuka]

I actually recently bought Sibelius instead, whether that was a mistake or not, I don't know. But I've heard too many stories of people getting liberal arts degrees and not finding any jobs that want them. I'm aiming for an astronomy/astrophysics degree while pursuing composing as a sort of serious hobby that may or may not end up evolving into a career.

[@Keytaster]

Although the questions about his hair were a bit silly, I must admit that it looks damn nice :-)

[@mistyhead1]

I love this guy....he is so talented and intelligent....and hot, of course :)

[@no911isownage]

OMG YOU ERIC ARE AMAZING!!! ZELDA!?!?!?! WTF wow to think i just proformed lux aurumque with the coastal sound youth choir lol Talented, Famouse, and he plays ZELDA OMG I love you lol

[@Kristenbasore]

Austin Heath is my best friend! YAY!

[@FRANKtheBRO]

you play zelda!??!?!?!? you are the greatest person ever!!

[@xoclkox]

0 dislikes. Just the way it should be!

[@arthurclark14]

Jaime Lannister?

[@bkeels002]

There actually is no note by note methodical formula for writing music. (Well technically those are called matrices but no one actually likes those.)

[@SingerAR]

I think it's very sad that you as a "Christian" can't just enjoy Whitacre's vast music and talent - giving your little dig towards his beliefs. When you make open judgements such as this towards something which isn't your business...it just solidifies the ignorance people like you will exude for attention. I'm sure Mr. Whitacre is just FINE in his faith. It's HIS journey, not yours.

[@swampfoz]

This guy reminds me of the great Joni Mitchell.

[@SuperCulby]

Fuck yes, he's a Zelda fan

[@georgiowee]

a technical notation -procedure and sketches would be more appreciated, instead of those gentle words of illustrations Best Regards

[@kennyb545]

HA - Dorks...!!!! Made me LMAO...!

[@SenakuAruno]

Yeah!!!! CHEESECAKE!!!!! WHOOO!!!!

[@falaqdad15]

I am practically identical to you then

[@outwritten]

He's hot.

[@sheXdevil333]

ZELDA!!!! ZELDA!!! YES!!!! I WAS HOPING YOU KNEW ABOUT THAT!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! XD

[@MienemLeben]

You don't have to be 'Christian' or any religion to feel close to God.

[@sierrawynder]

Isn't he Jewish? I know his wife is