Eric Whitacre conducts "Sleep"

[@BarbershopHero]

This whole song is one giant chordgasm.

[@Joxii4]

Of all the songs I ever sang in choir, this one is by far my favorite. It's one of the most beautiful arrangements I've ever heard, and when you're performing it with the rest of the choir, I swear, something magical happens. It gives me goosebumps every time. You just feel a perfect unity of all the voices around you, and as it concludes, there's a moment where the world is just so still and quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Just breathtakingly beautiful.

[@fifteen6535]

I have a good friend who performed Water Night in an honors choir, and she couldn't make it through the song without crying. Every time.

[@MultiJMinecraft]

YusukeIsMine imagine singing it with him conducting you... that was me last week it was an insane experience

[@tostare]

I'm (Bass 1) learning it with my choir at the moment for our xmas concert. It is pretty magical.

[@rachelp3090]

YusukeIsMine I have performed this song too and I completely agree

[@margaretkuwata6794]

I know the feeling-I live for that feeling.

[@iridiansanchez1560]

This is the best fucking decrescendo I've ever heard

[@gertv2]

You mean diminuendo?

[@Mlantow20]

same shit - decrescendo is specifically for music, where diminuendo can be used for everything undergoing a gradually reduction in force or loudness

[@midnightskyofficial]

Hendrick Lamar same thing

[@OMGLOLPEACEOUT]

This is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be in choir.

[@theBlackBearrrr]

Eric Whitacre is a musical genius. I swear this is one of the most beautiful songs ever

[@zacharypage6164]

Most certainly

[@annaariza1575]

He definitely is! Breathtaking song!

[@2145791]

I listened to it on loud during disgusting firework night,I suffer from PTS following an explosion at work.I (and my four Jack Russells) thank Eric for his therapy and bliss.

[@kghobbes]

first chord = chills. and they never stopped coming. and i swear to God i'm not exaggerating about that. so so SO beautiful.

[@Amontanea]

If you are not In choir u are missing out in the most wonderful experience in your whole life.

[@sravantipasumamula6803]

The first time I heard this song, I actually cried. I'm a soprano and I absolutely love the soprano parts. 'As I surrender unto sleep' just so beautiful..

[@swalea6507]

Once AGAIN no CARES about the ALTOS

[@janeesejefferson4873]

My choir actually had the chance to work with Eric in a massive highschool choir festival at WVU for a day. We sang this and seal lullaby, literally the best choir experience I ever had. He is such an amazing director and person, he gave so many useful tips and pointers. Singing this song on stage with 610 other choir students as dedicated to music as I am and Eric Whitacre directing was literally magical. I actually shed a few tears while singing because it was truly beautiful. An experience I will never forget

[@laurenj432]

Wow that sounds beautiful. I’m so happy for you that you were able to experience that💕

[@teatrolites3446]

That’s so amazing!

[@maddeegirl1]

my chorus and band teachers showed me this and i havent stopped watching it sinse... this is a beautiful song... i wish our chorus and band could do this.... eric whitacre is amazing!

[@tubamaestro55]

Damn... I want this piece played at my funeral. I want it sung by a whole choir... I don't care if I'm not there to hear it... I'm sitting here nearly crying... Whitaker is a musical genius and he knows how to write heartfelt pieces with amazing chords. I'm not in chorus, but I am in band, and I find this one the most amazing pieces ever written for a large ensemble. Getting softer and softer at the end is just absolutely amazing... God bless music!

[@w1011457]

The men in this ensemble are truly spectacular...a well rounded choir altogether but the guys really pulled this one off for me. Way to go, great show!

[@davidcat436]

I absolutely love this piece and this particular performance of it. I listen to it over and over, and never get tired of it. Such an honor for anyone who was a part of this performance.

[@OrganMaster310]

Learning this in the choir I am in. Just soo beautiful. Brings me to tears.

[@midnightskyofficial]

Love the chord when it says "bed"

[@TheLemonTempest]

+Agent Napkin That chord gives be goosebumps.... I love this song so much.

[@TheGrandBrand]

+Agent Napkin To my ears it's a F major chord +2nd +4th. The first five degrees of a major scale, in other words. I absolutely love the harmony in Whitacre. It's so sweet you can taste it.

[@stevend285]

Nah "Soooon"

[@ziruini5071]

NIGHTSTALKER the basses give me chills on that chord

[@harmonythouart]

had the privilege of singing this with one of the top choirs in the country with his private instruction... the greatest song I ever got to sing. When you're in the middle of it... the harmonies and dissonant moments are just out of this gave us chills just singing it. Its still one of my favorite compositions- although all of his work I've gotten to sing I loved...

[@curtbarnes4294]

The evening hangs beneath the moon A silver thread on darkened dune With closing eyes and resting head I know that sleep is coming soon Upon my pillow, safe in bed A thousand pictures fill my head I cannot sleep my minds a flight And yet my limbs seem made of lead If there are noises in the night A frighting shadow, flickering light Then I surrender unto sleep Where clouds of dreams give second sight What dreams may come both dark and deep Of flying wings and soaring leap As I surrender unto sleep As I surrender unto sleep

[@susanvaughan4210]

Thank you for this!

[@RashadAmand]

Oh my Lord in Heaven above!!!!!!!! This is just proof of God's existance! Just Listen!!!!! I am just baffeled by the unity of tone, the blend, the tone, and the pianissimo at the end! Very very few people/groups can achieve that level of singing!!

[@lillyyosua7969]

When the men join in at "what dreams may come both dark and deep" is so expressive and amazingly sung

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

I was priviledged to play for some great conductors as a young high school student over (ouch)! 45 years ago. The young people performing this music had a mountain top experience being there and that is going to become more and more a part of their being as they age. To be directed by the composer of such beautiful music, wow people!

[@SheepUnderwater]

I was an Alto 2 in the All State Choir that did this is SW Oklahoma last year. I loved doing the Alto part because we got to create the disonent chord on "soon". I still get goosebumps hearing it cause it isn't often done in music. I still remember most of the part I sung but I didn't get to keep the sheet music... still a beautiful piece and I would do anything to sing it again.

[@AndrewHokanson]

In our arrangement of "Address to the Moon" the Tenor 2s got to create the dissonance, I wish it was done more often in choral music.

[@JohnFKennedy420]

Intergalactic Fantastic our choir sang this too and I feel the same way. Would do absolutely anything to create such a beautiful sound again

[@theodouglas8856]

i know you posted this 6 years ago, but we're doing this in our high school choir and if you want ill send it to you, i can keep mine

[@jashonlucius4244]

Could somebody explain the idea behind the dissonance... I want to use it to arrange some vocal harmonies

[@ChuChild]

performed this the other day. only three sopranos were allowed to sing soprano one because only three of us could master and sing the top notes without taking a breath. it's really a lovely piece ^-^

[@Republicrat74]

Congratulations to all of you who've had the pleasure of being part of fine Choral performances. Only those who have can appreciate the thrill of making great music together. I sang with choirs and chorales for 62 years. Most memorable was singing Bass in a performance of the Verdi Requiem with the Chicago Symphony at Orchestra Hall. The first time we all were together was the dress rehearsal, and I can still recall the awesome power of the Dies Irae ringing in that empty empty hall!!

[@KyMiyu]

It makes a guy like me happy to just see all of these people completely entranced in the music they are singing. Almost 200 people and all of them have the same passion and understanding as the person next to them. All those people. One mans dream.

[@Orinthophobia13]

I don't know why I was crying while listening to this. So beautiful what human voices can create.

[@thedarkcrystall]

chills and tears all at once

[@danielbowers457]

My wind ensemble band in high school played this and it's the only time I ever had tears in my eyes during one of our performances.

[@iGookin]

Astounding. This choir couldn't have been in a better place - this Orchestra Hall is just perfect for this sound.

[@FlutistPride]

Love it when composers conduct their own music.

[@Allinfun6789]

Choir was a huge deal back in high school in the 1980s. This kind of experience was every day in rehearsal..but oh wow how cool would it have been to do an Eric Whitacre piece. I feel robed.

[@CelticHarmony15]

I'm in an advanced women's chorus called charisma and I've had the opportunity to sing she weeps over rahoon, sleep, and seal lullaby both at school and in honor choir performances. Regardless of how much time elapses, I never forget the notes I sang in whitacre's pieces. He is a sexy musical genius....I would faint if he conducted us. He brings out the best in every vocalist.

[@tennotes]

Such intensity. Every eye was on the conductor. You could tell every single person wanted to perform perfectly for this man and his music. It's funny how sleep can be so powerful!! Congratulations to these young singers.

[@marine_maureen]

I was there and my sister was IN this!!! I still can't believe it!! Honestly - this concert was one of the most (THE most???) beautiful and moving things I have EVER experienced!!

[@steven_co]

This was the recording that got me addicted to Eric Whitacre's music. I love this song.

[@ainsleighmae19]

our choir sang this a few years ago. one of the singers fathers passed away shortly before. we cried as soon as the song was over. goosebumps everytime i hear this. beautiful.

[@jamison850]

singing in this song with this choir was one of the most incredible experiences of my life

[@ToniShamara]

3:31-3:40 is just BEAUTIFUL.

[@jswizzletdrizzle]

My school's Varsity Singers sang this at State and got the highest rating. No wonder, how could you not with this amazing piece. Eric Whitacre is a modern musical genius!! The way he conducts the choir, the way he makes them decrescendo into NOTHING at the end. The tight harmonies and haunting melody.... i just can't get over it.

[@StephenVTran]

Amazing. I tried sleeping to this but then everyone started clapping, still so beautiful

[@anthonyramirez7272]

God, imagine hearing this for the first time. I've been listening to this song for almost 4 years now and I'm hearing it like it was the first time I heard this timeless masterpiece. And I've come to love the number 2:52 because that's where on the Light and gold version by the EWS, is when the most amazing choral sound I've ever heard is played time after time. It's absolutely timeless to me. It holds sentimental value to me and I'll never forget this stunning song.

[@masongonzales4036]

This is such a beautiful piece. Mr. Whitacre is an amazing person.

[@kylele23]

Performed this song with my high school chamber group for my teacher's 25th year teaching and we blew ourselves away. Thank you, Whitacre.

[@charlienawa4354]

1:07 i have never heard such a funky, beautiful, dissonant, and unusual chord in my life. thank you eric whitacre

[@jotaerreito]

It is F Major (add4) (add9). Allan Holdsworth used it a lot.

[@sousabone95]

So im extremely new to youtube. But I stumbled upon this video and my extremely good friend has just died from leukemia, and music was and still is a large part in his life while is up in heaven. This piece reminds me of all the happy times and journeys me and him have had and still will have. Thank you for listening to my prayers.

[@andristic]

This made me tear up like four different times. Partly from nostalgia from performing this in high school but most definitely because of the awesome choir and the great piece.

[@andyadams9174]

This is the music that transcends the material realm!

[@greatgiginthesky9898]

This is one of the most beautiful works of art I've ever heard

[@allenrussell1947]

Eric Whitacre's talent is beyond words. I'd give anything to see and hear him conduct a live performance of Sleep.

[@AzzeyShboom]

Eric Whitacre is to classical genius as Robbie Ray Cyrus is to Country music! SOOO talented! I absolutely adore and admire this song and how well it was sung and conducted! Thrills!!!

[@13evertomorrow]

We're singing this in Chorus, and when my teacher played this for us... I got chills. Oh.... it's beautiful beyond description. Eric Whitacre is brilliant.

[@sirr09]

every time i hear this song, i can't help but sing the tenor/tenor 1 part right along with it. this song is forever imprinted in my head.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

The first time I played Warren Benson's "The Leaves are Falling" in concert with symphonic band it was a transcendant experience. Now many years later, I am moved that deeply by the music of Eric Whitacre all the time. I know all the vocalists who performed on that evening in Minnesota will carry experience with them all their lives. This is an amazing performance, too!

[@GusTheWolfgang]

I was just listening to this with a serious expression on my face, and when the climax came I just bursted into tears and laughter. This is a beautiful piece and I am glad I could listen to such a wonderful interpretation!

[@killingnatalie]

I love Eric Whitace. I'm not in choir or anything, I'm actually in band and we've played October and Lux Aurumque, but he makes me wish I could sing. If I could, I would kill to be in a group like this conducted by him. He's amazing, and so is his music. So beautiful. Great job.

[@JoshLeRose]

Brilliant, and inspiring. This piece made me fall in love with Whitacre's music.

[@stepanstikolednici]

Absolutely breathtaking - the arrangement, chord progression, dynamics & feel. Stunning composition. Eric you are a real star.

[@dookie_mane]

At the end it’s literally feels like you’re falling asleep it’s amazing

[@ageshero]

No music can be more beautiful than one voice combined from many others. Music in heaven i would interpret to sound like this, but as if everyone one who was ever alive had sung all together at once, To praise in one voice. Which is why this music i find to be so beautiful

[@951murr]

This song is painfully beautiful, as are many of eric whitacre's composition. It's so beautiful, it makes you choke.

[@SeanAttk]

Had a remembrance service just an hour ago, and this was sung. I literally was suppressing tears it was so beautiful and evoked so many feelings and experiences :') So beautiful

[@SpencerCindia]

I cried through almost the whole song. I feel it inside me every time. This is probably the best song I've ever heard in my life.

[@pedropetrucci2884]

You might call it perfection. Just like that, ‘perfection’. I remember when I sang this stunning Erick Whitacre’s piece with the Coral Societas, once in a university choral competition. It was only once and I'm sure it marked everyone's lives in the chorus. I remember my friend, Camilo, shaking next to me and looking at my eyes when the piece was coming to an end. Yes, we both had felt the deep touch of death while singing. I’ve never ever been so close to heaven and death, at the same time, as I was at that moment. Sleep” always makes us think of the dead, not as an end but as a sweet resting, quiet and chill. “Sleep”. Memorable performance. I really miss the chorus.

[@Malcolm255]

This version of Eric Whitacre's SLEEP is, in my opinion, the best recorded instance of this beautiful piece of music along with the word by Anthony Silvestri. I am not a singer but I can imagine the joy that a person performing acapella in a choir might sense with this music. I made a music video recently using this particular recording. It is dedicated to my wife, Ann, who suffered a severe stroke on July 17, 2009. You can find this video on KZbin by typing R Malcolm Brown Jr, then select it

[@SirFrancealot]

My choir won the CBC choral competition a few years ago probably only because we performed this piece well. Definitely one of my favourite choral compositions of the past half century.

[@TheVineWithLeslie]

i performed this song while back in 2006 with ld bell hs choir !!!! best song ever!, goosebumps, tears, elegance..!! I bet my dear friend mr. valverde is singing here, this lovely song, again, only this time conducted by the genius who created it!!!

[@Mandola-Jane]

Stunning. Simply Stunning!! 5:45 minutes of heavenly voices! What a treat!

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

What a privilege it would have been to sing or be there for this concert. Eric is a genius and definitely is inspired. I cried the first time I ever heard one of his works and many, many times since.

[@Marathopita]

Our Vocal Ensemble wants to do this for competitions. I'm worried that we'll never be able to do this justice. It's too beautiful.

[@accooper1994]

What I would pay to see this live is painful

[@kimsmith1383]

I just read an email from my Chorus President of the West Coast Singers that we will be performing it this Fall. West Coast Singers is in Los Angeles. Where are you?

[@JediPIRATEchick]

ERIC WHITACRE IS A FREAKING MUSICAL GENIUS!! This is so amazing. I get chills every time I hear this song.. It was seriously an honor to get to sing this with my choir.

[@mrsax13]

Ridicullous amount of controlled sound. Bravo. In my mind Whitacre and Ticheli are the only composers that have existed in the past 20 years.

[@theemoryquince]

I have always loved this song, but to actually watch Eric Whitacre direct it adding his finesse as the composer is breathtaking! Definite tear-jerker.

[@scoopztb]

This is awesome. The smile he makes after conducting is awesome to. He loves what he does.

[@ashlyngraceee]

Eric Whitacre is a musical genious. He has a way of putting unique cords together that sound so wrong, but so right at the same time. I love him!

[@GuildfordGhost]

This is beautiful - the grandiose charm of John Rutter with the mature power of Henryk Gorecki.

[@PeaceLoveHendrix]

the high school choir i'm in just preformed this song yesterday. while learning the piece, we had a difficult time with tuning so our choir director had us sing it in a room with absolutely no lights on. that definitely helped. it turned out great

[@lea1nicolee]

Still listening to this in 2018. This piece gets me EVERY time. Chilllllssss

[@RazorToothMusic]

I never get tired of listening to this song. Just amazing :D

[@franzflemming]

1:07 Love this Chord!

[@jotaerreito]

It is F Major (add4) (add9). Allan Holdsworth used it a lot.

[@crazy4harrypotter7]

Amazing! Our highest honors choir did this song and it sounded amazing but this is astounding. And as for the coughing it's Minnesota people! I live there and it freezing 10 of the 12 months!

[@islaythejabberwokky]

DANG, that blend is perfection... ERIC I WORSHIP THEE

[@Amb3r911]

This is the prettiest thing I have ever heard..........

[@Dman71586]

He begins... like a herald, carrying the voices in the right direction with his subtle movements, caressing the lyrics, massaging the tone, masterfully shaping the sound into an emotion. Suddenly a wave, the emotion is bright, deep, wide, echoing across our minds, an endless paradise of ambiance and majesty. He wishes to close his eyes and see the place he has composed, in dreams, but alas, he cannot. His haven is here, in front of the vibrant and raw instruments offering themselves to build. :)

[@Nic7320]

Learning to appreciate that which you do not know, is the greatest gift one human can make to another human being.

[@punkrock6564]

This song is so peaceful I put this in every night to help me fall asleep and it helps me learn it and memorize it ^_^

[@andyadams9174]

I understand exactly what you mean!! Music really is the way to stay tuned-in with the great cosmic sound vibrating across the centuries, vibrating each moment throughout ourselves, forever and ever!!

[@WinyanHanhepiwi]

I envy all of you fortunate to have worked with Whitacre. That must be quite an experience. This might be my all time favorite Whitacre piece, although it's hard to choose just one.

[@DaniWrenn]

There are no words to describe the emotion nor the beauty of this piece and how it was performed. In only the past 20 minutes have I discovered Eric Whitacre and his work (and quite by accident). What a gift to have worked with him... Perhaps one day I will have the same honor... Just Simply INCREDIBLE!!!!!!

[@gabbiewitham]

i love that clash at 0.55 inspired me, definitely.

[@GenzaiDandy]

This song really has one of the best climaxes i've ever heard.

[@Luca-gj9xn]

You are very good and this song is really beautiful! My choir sang it during one of our last performances. Write this in the search. You're going to love it for sure! Corale Novarmonia - Sleep (E. Whitacre)

[@soleeombra6261]

It's wonderful! You are very talented! :)

[@vocalinstrument]

I have his CD, absolute genius! Sang, "When David Heard" in 2009 and almost cried after the performance. It really gets to you! Amazing music!

[@TheConradish]

the balance is incredible.. you can hear every part perfectly. perfection

[@iGookin]

This is my favorite Eric Whitacre piece.

[@SteelBump8]

Best and biggest high school choir I've ever seen.

[@Artexanis]

how can you dislike this? there are no words for this...

[@musicismyloveeee]

I don't even get how this doesn't have even at least 300,000 views.

[@rippinsteo]

I still hold the BYU Singers recording of Sleep as the gold standard, but this is one of the best I've heard--of course directed by Mr Whitacre himself. Congrats to all. Very well done.

[@davidcat436]

I just listened to the BYU recording mentioned. Too slow, erratic and sterile compared to this rendition here. My two cents.

[@jwkeckley]

I just love his mellow style of conducting. He doesn't have to be waving around to get what he wants because everyone is so focused on him! Just a genius.