Eric Whitacre conducts "Cloudburst"

Choral superstar Eric Whitacre conducted the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, The St. Olaf Choir, and the 160-voice Minnesota High School Honors Choir in a performance of "Cloudburst"--part of the sold-out VocalEssence "Eric Whitacre Extravaganza" on March 22, 2009 at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis.

[@mariahsnyder572]

They speaking enchantment table

[@LM-db6ty]

^

[@rainmoore5676]

^

[@b_matthew1850]

It's Spanish

[@acehologram1861]

^ 🤣

[@owenkelly4495]

it’s called spanish

[@tomason1986]

Last night we performed this piece with my chorus in Córdoba, Argentina. It was amazing, im so happy right now!

[@Keitillia]

i wish i could listen to this song for the first time again.

[@ToxShox.]

Hearing the this the first time was perfect.

[@prosingerrenee]

Every time I listen to any of Eric's songs, chills run along my body. Such talent.

[@eminemilly]

I'm about to

[@hilarylewis7017]

Kat, I understand completely! To create anew that musical experience! In his case, absolutely miraculous!

[@davidscott1052]

Kat Dopke what a wonderful thing to say ...maybe in the future we will design software to relive the most poigniont moments in our existence and experience them anew

[@carolwagers]

Eric Whitacre was a student @ UNLV in the mid 80's when I was taking some refresher music classes there. He was a star then, too. He did one choral number with a stage full of singers, and more choirs in the wings above the stage, level with the balcony: the music surrounded us in the most astonishing experience.

[@kittehisthebeast]

Watching choral videos that zoom in on the faces of the choir make me realize how important it is to emote during a performance 😅

[@JoshSaysStuff]

It's gotten to the point where I straight-up cry listening to Eric Whitacre. I can't help it.

[@danielasa100]

+JoshSaysStuff It was the same for me...

[@geezerdombroadcast]

"That's good". That means you are human. If you aren't moved to tears, or at least gripped by the screams of fear, and longing, dreams for salvation of others, and the profoundness of our human consciousness then you are probably missing some critical piece of humanity, as a primitive ape, or brain damaged person. Those who go emotionless through life without sensitivity to the complexities, and delicacies of the human experience are not fully alive. There are those, who like worker bees, are devoid of empathy, feelings, merely dredging through life unable to show emotion, hardened, and unresponsive to such things as compassion. They are not fully alive, and will never know true love, true greatness, the magic of rational thought, or compassion, a great tragedy. Great joy, and great sadness befalls all who wear human skin. The thing that makes us human is to experience it, and transcend it.

[@deathchaser57]

Same here and I’m a grown ass man 😭

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

Lux Arumque makes me cry

[@SimonSimon-rn3tm]

Yes, it's that bad isn't i!

[@AnswerisB]

When I get to heaven, I expect to see Eric Whitacre composing the angelic choir

[@jennaragsdale5593]

I was going to sing this in my sophomore year and nobody would pay attention so my tea her pulled it from the set and I actually cried

[@lesliefields7619]

Jenna Ragsdale that makes me so sad. I would have cried too. I might cry anyway.

[@sarahdangerrr]

During the storm part, I almost started crying.

[@katheys7055]

I got to perform with him and my choir in the Lincoln Center in new York city. We had dinner at the tavern in the green with him, being a small town girl from Nebraska never thought that would happen. Our choir got to get a pic with him and I stood right next to him his arm around me he smelled like fine scotch and cologne lol I almost died. He is just a brilliant composer and artist I am so very glad I got to work with him!

[@bellacampbell9979]

kathey s I have that exact same opportunity this year to do that with my choir. We will be signing cloudburst. I am beyond excited

[@user-bb3cx9cr1u]

"he smelled like fine scotch and cologne lol I almost died."LOL

[@MrThomas1224]

Good for you! You'll never forget it.

[@odairepping]

This is a true Genius and he is from this age, not from History books. Something really special to Mankind! We are gifted when we see such a powerful and brilliant mind in action!

[@LaurengeOrange]

This is just soul piercing...the beginning when all the voices sound scattered and when they imitate the sound of rain. God, it's just so beautiful

[@Lenabobena91]

I can't even begin to describe my love for Eric Whitacre. His music is beyond amazing. To me anyway.

[@SingInTune]

This has been my alarm clock wake up for years, on a slow volume ramp up for 5 minutes. I don't think I'll ever change it. Love waking up to these voices every morning!!!

[@basedlugia70]

i really love the use of body parts to make it sound like something non-vocal, like snapping fingers to make it sound like rain. i was at a concert last year where a choir that did that, and i was blown away. this piece might be a new favorite by mr. whitacre! :D

[@Haywyremusic]

This piece is such a timeless classic

[@xenathcytrin202]

One of my favorite songs I sang in my high school choir, the amount of emotional impact at the climax is enormous.

[@nathanjackson3848]

+Xenath Cytrin I sang it in high school too!!!

[@nathanjackson3848]

+Nathan Jackson High school choir that is lol

[@XantinwoX]

me too 13 years ago!

[@adonie9839]

Omg im about to sing it and I’m so frickin excited

[@PudgyCupcake]

This gave me chills, brought tears to my eyes, I even laughed out loud and clapped at the end. Beautiful and moving. This man is a genius. And the choir is absolutely amazing.

[@Bonas]

The human voice is the most beautiful musical instrument ever. After this video, I have no doubts.

[@nessarae1194]

Did anyone else get goosebumps? What a beautiful song!

[@shblaze2998]

I am literally having goosebumps right now!!

[@swalea6507]

@@shblaze2998 same

[@brieks07]

Every single time, without fail!!!

[@JtheMaster1]

if i listened to this man's music for 24 hours it would be the most relaxing and well spent day of my life. no questions.

[@CreamyPeach08]

I didn't realize they were professionally recording it! I was there.. it was such an amazing experience!

[@ILOLnumber1]

WOW!!!!! This could move mountains. Someone get Eric Whitacre and his choir to perform in front of the world leaders.

[@Nobynoby2763]

Everyone in this auditorium audience just fucking got reborn. Piece of history

[@BudgetsKale]

Oh goodness, I encountered my first Whitacre piece at All-State this year, and fell in love. I sincerly hope I am fortunate enough to sing this piece! :)

[@coltonc75]

I performed this piece in UNR Concert choir in 1993-94!! as far as I know it was the debut. we performed it in Pasadena and reno. Eric was still tweaking the piece and it was a little different when we performed it. still amazing. I remember my bass part and will never forget it!!! love!!!!!!

[@occamsrayzor]

Whenever I feel despair for the future of humanity, it's stuff like this that brings me back again. Beautiful!

[@rikudude95]

The fingers snapping at the end make it real for me. Along with the amazing music, director, and combined choir. I would love for this man to conduct at my wedding, when I have one :P

[@carmenthequeen]

I had the privilege of hearing this song live 3 days ago... I cried.

[@jasonbermiller1075]

Incredible. The complexity and brilliance of the piece is simply stunning.

[@zoeysamazingcrafts2906]

Yes. Corona has brought me to this. On the other hand this is a wonderful song and I love it!

[@jamesmartin3842]

100% The absolute best piece of music i have ever experienced. I'm in tears......

[@JoshSaysStuff]

I nearly cried. Literally the most amazing thing I've ever heard.

[@VidMonster]

he's such a genius and inspiration. plus, his hair is legendary. lol

[@Kaceyhauntsyou59334]

Our chorus is doing this song this year :D we do a Whitacre piece every year :) it's funny cause our director is Mr. Whitaker. lol

[@WIPCoaching]

community being called for, sung from, envisioned & brought to life. bravo.

[@Polones12]

Person can take only so many goosebumps...

[@marcosdeoliveira9278]

It took my breath away! Without a doubt it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard! Bravo Bravo Bravo!!!

[@vintage0x]

I keep listening to this over and over. I tweeted to Eric Whitacre calling him the cluster chord guy. He said he "liked that" lol its so true he loves cluster chords!!

[@cozmot5260]

We performed this in high school and honestly this song still gives me the chills. I remember how much I listened to this to be able to perfectly play my part with the bass drum.

[@rickyfan3956]

We did this at TTCCF (Texas Two Year College Choral Festival), which is the All-State Choir for junior colleges in Texas, back in 1998. I loved performing this! They made CD's of the performance--I think choir members either got them for free or for a discount--but when I got mine in the mail, I played it over and over! And every time my dad wanted it to rain that summer, I would take my stereo outside and play "Cloudburst" for all creation to hear. It always rained after I played it!

[@N_Skoronski]

How? What? Why? Is it possible that someone can think to compose this insanity? ...and can I be taught how?

[@abelbernal4766]

Look for Jacob collier's composition with voces 8 It'll blow your mind

[@cuddledvoncuddly]

we just did this song at our concert with only 65 people, and it still sounded amazing!

[@vgaughan]

I love how he conducts. He paints with the colors of the music.

[@YerkesDodsonCurve]

Plus who doesn't like to look at Eric Whitacre?

[@HonorAmongThievesSEA]

Ridiculously beautiful...

[@MegaGemini89]

it's so surreal...every time i listen to it i think of my grandmother who passed away on thanksgiving. it's coming to be a year and i think of how beautiful heaven is for her and all the wonderful things she gets to enjoy..breathe deep granny...i love you

[@yaheadah]

currently singing this in my chorus. really hard but i love it so much

[@juanypunto92]

La lluvia... Absolutely beautiful Eric Whitacre in Spanish (and very interesting harmony) :):)

[@CheerboyHEAT]

When theres the murmuring it almost frightens me. I listen to Eric Whitacre when i sleep and it always wakes me up. its the dark side of nature mixed with the beauty. truley pure and beautiful. A+

[@ehelwagen]

My daughter will be singing this for her all-state choir in February. I am so excited for her!

[@e_nas923]

eric whitacre+big choir+amazing song= GENIUS!!

[@xXRachmaninovaXx]

Never get tired of singing, playing, hearing, analyzing this...always learning from Whitacre ^^

[@salamanca1954]

Eric Whitacre gets it!

[@sensei671]

to be conducted by eric whitacre himself must have been so AMAZING!! our choir sang this at competition last weekend, and we were adjudicated by the person whom this song was written for

[@user-tn4nr5hm6u]

It seems Minnesota has a wonderful choral culture❤

[@adrianjohnson7920]

Eric Whitacre has said how much he admires the way Bach makes a palette of tonal colours from a chord to make a melody, and produce a mood. He also understands the human voice and the personality of a choir like Gustaf Holst, and shares Holst's love for educating and writing for young voices. So I think of Whitacre as "channelling " both Bach and Holst for the 21st century, and think those composers would both admire his music the way the rest of us here do.

[@BevinGregory]

There are not words for how beautiful this is. I can't get over how he so completely paints the most beautiful pictures with his music. It just moves people--to tears, to laughter, to whatever. It's incredible and wow, this song is just---beyond wonderful. Definitely closed my eyes.

[@Guppy2410]

this was awazing ,brought tears to my eyes and i had goosbumps the whole time ,Eric Whitacre ,you are a gift too all mankind :)

[@mornaw]

This gave me goosebumps ... and then made me cry! So beautiful.

[@nikawolf80]

oh...oh my gosh...beautiful...I have no words.

[@ClutchZ28]

This song needs to be performed in a 4D auditorium.....feel the rain! This and Sleep are THE most beautiful songs EVER written....what now mozart?

[@TheRealXesc]

O... M... G... That man is a GENIOUS! Wow, was that piece WILD or what, beautiful, perfectly coordinated, and even though they blew out my ears at the end, it was still awesome in music! Mr. Whitacre, you are a genious, no less!

[@mewzical7]

omg im so jealous that they got to be conducted by Eric Whitacre!!! That would be so unbelievable amazing!!!

[@Cabbagefreak54]

This is simply amazing. Thank you. I've just started singing this in my college choir as well, and we've directed the entire choir to this recording, because it's the best out there.

[@sharepeace3]

My son's choir will be working with Eric Whitacre soon. So excited now that I've seen this. They also sang this piece. Thanks for posting!

[@aadair00]

it would be an honor if i was ever conducted by this man.

[@UberFacundia]

Truly one of the most captivating and massive performances of one of the most innovative and moving choral pieces yet assembled. Absolutely Breathtaking.

[@EmbraceTheInevitable]

Does anybody else think that Eric Whitacre would be the perfect Jaime Lannister ??

[@arlitagariana5772]

EmbraceTheInevitable yesssss but i don't want him to be an as***le :((

[@kidtexaus1]

I've heard a dozen versions, choral and instrumental, have sung it in choirs myself, and this one is still the best, by far.

[@jennaragsdale5593]

That's cause it's Eric Whitacres actual choir. He wrote this piece, conducted and had his amazing choir perform it

[@ElrondPA]

Uh, no. VocalEssence is led by Philip Brunelle. Eric Whitacre has the Eric Whitacre Singers (though he directed this performance). VE is, however, one of the premiere choral groups in the country.

[@justinzay9749]

Who would dislike something like this??

[@hunfairygirl83]

We're over the concert. It was fantastic! Audience loved Cloudburst. :)

[@evilmonkey2184]

every thing he writes has me on the edge of my seat beging for more

[@danejoers9553]

Amazing!! And even his hair is well-composed. I am experiencing follicle envy.

[@TypeToToohey]

I preformed this with my college's chorale and it was like an out of body experience. Beautiful composition.

[@ohhdearimqueer]

oh my gosh, i think i'd die if i was ever in a choir that had eric whitacre conduct them.

[@marine_maureen]

My sister sang in this concert. I can honestly say I've never been so moved or seen any concert this incredible - there are no words. The experience of a lifetime for my sister and myself!

[@WesternWheels]

I like how much it makes it seen like a rainstorm.... I got chills.

[@Yagirlnyesha]

I cry everytime I hear this

[@MADMmerf]

Oh man! I wanted to go to that SO BAD! One day before my birthday too... haha... Oh well... ... My honor choir was fun, but my gosh! Being conducted by Eric Whitacre! How sweet would that be!

[@Accioglee]

This is just too perfect.

[@omegaweapon123]

Epic Size choir! With Epic vocal production. With an Epic Baritone solo. And with the Epic Eric Whitacre all in one night!!!

[@ninoboy213]

how can 11 people NOT like this???????

[@skepticlogician]

What on earth!? It's as if I didn't know choir music until this moment!! Even though I'm a classical musician!! Simply brilliant!!

[@senojlegin17]

Whitacre's music is instantly recognizable, whatever piece is being performed. Is this a good thing?!

[@BlueMewSings3]

Interesting to find out about the background of this piece. Cool! Eric Whitacre is the best! Inventive, creative, and fun. Thanks for the great post. Love it. This should have a gabillion views and there should be a Love button. What's not to like about this? Love the varying ages of the choir. :-)

[@HildeVerboven]

I can hear the rain fall and the cloud burst. Beautiful.

[@dotofbett]

What a great way to start the Memorial Day weekend!

[@TurlasThe6]

My choir back in HS has done Sleep and Water Night. His songs are VERY hard to learn, but, once you have them down, they are a pleasure to sing.

[@SugarbabyLA]

Oh my God.. Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@Shacksi]

That is fantastic!!!!! Sounded so much better than when we did it.

[@lemonsquishy]

i would have loved to hear this at orchestra hall........ the acoustics are absolutely phenomenal. thank you eric whitacre. everything you do is amazing!

[@hunfairygirl83]

My god! How many singers!!! O.O We're studiing this piece with our choir (temporarily without the instruments, just the vocal) but I didn't think that it's amazing so much! Congratulations Mr Whitacre! :) from Hungary

[@pretendhuman]

This song is so beautiful. It breaks my heart and baptizes my soul every time i hear it.

[@mrcookiemonsterr]

words cannot express how beautiful this song is its as though thousand angels are singing of the greatness and glory of god god is probably weeping from its awesomeness

[@falco6789]

this would fit nicely in halo.

[@zachkarp]

That's exactly what I was thinking😂

[@swalea6507]

@@zachkarp same

[@ErinTheDon]

I LOVE the bass part in this song... fantastic. :D

[@tipofmytongue1024]

The colors painted in this are amazing.

[@Zaptain]

This song sends shivers up my spine and honestly brings tears to my eyes, god this is beautiful :')

[@ClassySwimmer]

Does anyone else start crying when they hear this?