Eric Whitacre Live at the Union Chapel

Water Night. Special iTunes deluxe. UK: bit.ly/WNiTunes
US: bit.ly/WNiTunesUS Germany: bit.ly/WNiTunesDE

Eric Whitacre conducts the Eric Whitacre Singers in a concert performance during recording for his new album, Water Night. The concert performance includes:
Alleluia
Her Sacred Spirit Soars
Goodnight Moon
Oculi Omnium
When David Heard
This Marriage
Sleep my Child
Lux aurumque
Eric Whitacre: Water Night
iTunes UK (deluxe): bit.ly/WNiTunes
Amazon UK: amzn.to/yT3oHw
iTunes US (deluxe): bit.ly/WNiTunesUS
Amazon US: amzn.to/xEL0oL
Amazon Germany: amzn.to/xV6APo
iTunes (deluxe) Germany: bit.ly/WNiTunesDE
Listen to extended clips of every track from the album: bit.ly/wPF6oO
Official site: ericwhitacre.co...
Find Eric on:
Facebook: on. l35yqZ
Twitter: bit.ly/lKJ4VD

[@EricWhitacre]

They do the 'basics' all on their own, so I am left to simply 'ride the wave', try to guide them in a gentle and subtle way. Not saying I am the world's best conductor, but I am very happy with the way my group sounds, and from a conducting standpoint I believe that is all that matters.

[@EricWhitacre]

That is the amazing part. For this concert (which was twice as long, by the way - this video is only the highlights) we had two 3 hour rehearsals and a short dress rehearsal on the day of the concert. On some of the pieces in this performance they are literally sight reading.

[@wayneday3116]

I had once thought the great classical choral tradition had died with Benjamin Britten. I also thought that, except for film scores, listenable new classical music was in danger of extinction after the deaths of Copland and Bernstein. The music of composers Rutter, Part, Lauridsen and you, Mr. Whitacre have proved me wrong. Thank you.

[@michaelmiller1215]

Eric Whitacre Magnificent performance. Only those of us who have sung a cappella know the challenges of such an undertaking, especially sight-reading!

[@reneegoing305]

Amazing!! In high school i did similar things. My teacher was magnificent and chose one of your pieces for our concert choir to sing. That song was Glow. i absolutely fell in love with the way you compose music. incredible!

[@BellaTerra66]

OH WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@karisprensandsand8120]

I was there! Thank you for a wonderful concert!

[@abandonedmuse]

I see now why everyone loves David Heard. It’s an extremely complicated piece wow

[@kelvinsmith6687]

Starting times of the songs in this video: 00:16 Oculi Oculum 03:27 Alleluia 12:23 This Marriage 15:46 When David Heard 32:13 Her Sacred Spirit Soars 39:29 Goodnight Moon 44:27 Sleep My Child 50:11 Lux Aurumque

[@lindsayrice249]

Thank you!

[@AntonioSierra2011]

Kelvin Smith Muchas gracias.

[@ryansteinly1009]

Kelvin Smith e

[@rward2973]

bless you!!

[@yordankaacosta2849]

Thank you. Greetings from Miami. 🏖

[@NuggetEternal]

That soprano soloist's voice is the purest I've ever heard

[@abandonedmuse]

xXTacocubesXx I know it is simply haunting

[@MrChemenger]

When David heard Absalom was slain..... Eric excellently managed to make me feel the grief of David felt after the loss

[@Jenifer.flute20]

fo shizzles..

[@jannabeth28]

I was literally crying at 17:42. This is so beautiful.

[@johnnybrewer2992]

From 30:40 to 30:55. Soul crushing agony. That tritone he threw in the IV is pure torment.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

A close friend passed away from cancer the other day. This is a wonderful way to spend some time reflecting on his life and the times with friends. Eric's music moves and calms my soul while exalting my friend's I hope. "May your sacred spirit soar", my friend!

[@aarnold27]

When David Heard, though. Eric is seriously one of the most incredible people alive and it truly shows in each and every one of these pieces and the unbelievable talent of his choir.

[@CharlieBladeRemus]

Looks like Mr. Whitacre has gotten over his fear of breaking down sobbing during "When David Heard." I remember him saying he can't help it when he hears that song. It truly is one of my favorite pieces by him!

[@p00mang]

I come back to this concert often. I simply adore Occuli Omnium and Alleluia and am able to hear them together. I have purchased Eric’s CDs and single songs online. I had the privilege and pleasure of hearing the EWS conducted by Eric in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and am so thankful for the opportunity and experience. Thank you Mr. Whitacre and the choirs that perform his music.

[@armlearmonth]

Speaking as a member of Eric's choir, I can say that his conducting is actually really good - a lot clearer (when it needs to be) than many leading choral conductors I have worked with, and leaving lots of room for indicating expression in dynamic, tempo, and tone.

[@AtemiRaven]

I turned this on and left it running as I lay upon my bed and imagine what world's would be created if inspired by your music, and there was no more beautiful thought that I've ever created, no image more perfect. You Eric, are a God of music.

[@jackkupfer4449]

The first piece was unbelievable. It made me enter in a mysterious universe that I don't want to leave anymore. Chills and chills, thank you Eric.

[@bridge11233ify]

When David Heard is one of the best pieces of modern choral music I've heard. Beautiful, incredible. Well done Mr. Whitacre. My heart melted at the end of Her Scared Spirits Soars where the basses resolve the chord. I love that moving line; favorite part of the song. Overall, beautiful music and performance 😍❤️

[@xcisinsane]

I love that chord at 17:46. It sounds like freaking string instruments and an organ and it blows my mind!

[@timothyparish4031]

May heaven be like your music. Please Lord, let my eternity be like this. In my day, I was a cathedral soloist and choir director, So I can almost feel what you are feeling when you direct. amazing

[@mesulimhlongo4157]

When David heard is immaculate. A good expression of David’s emotional state after finding out his son had died. Despite Absalom’s attempt to killing his father, David still wept ! I always think of the pain God our Father must’ve felt when His son, Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins. What a merciful, gracious and kind God we serve!!

[@Rovelius39X7]

I enjoy that Eric Whitacre is one of the best things ever to happen to music, and yet he's still down-to-earth enough to talk to us on KZbin and Facebook. This kind of thing is just one of those simple things that makes me smile. You and your performers are a living breathing legacy. Nothing but respect for all of you and your work.

[@VeraVSilva]

I am from Portugal and I heard a choir performing "When David heard" today... I cried. Congratulations Eric Whitacre for composing this incredible piece of music and Coro de Câmara do Instituto Gregoriano (the choir) for your beautiful performance!

[@Secret_Agent_Mark]

It doesn't get more pure and blissful than this. I'm sitting here at 1:30am, listening after a day of work. Fully relaxed and on the brink of crying from happiness. Beautiful choir and a excellent composer. Love it!

[@sibonocebanto3764]

When David Heard.❤🙆‍♂️The entire passage from 29:51-31:48 was just other-worldly. The suspension at 30:51 went deeep into the bloodstream.The silence at the end is a testament to how powerful this performance was. This entire performance is incredible and must have been even more so live.

[@angipang]

The problem is you don't recognize the genius of Eric's conducting. He's an artist not an engineer. He doesn't employ one static method for every chorus and every piece. Watch the rehearsal videos of Eric with the Junges Hanover chorus. First he assesses them brilliantly and sets them at ease at the same time. He knows how to make a choir want to perform for him and sound their best. He makes them feel the music and guides them technically as they need it.

[@christinejones9620]

Dan DePriest great analysis. Eric conducts the music rather than the visual decoding of the score because the singers have fully internalised the score and in performance the score is only a visual prompt - not something they’re ‘reading’. Eric brings out of the singers what is in them and it looks so deceptively simple to amateur singers and audiences. That level of choral mastery and intensity in performance is incredibly high resolution and possible due to years of musicianship, ear and vocal training, plus years of experience performing the sacred liturgical choral treasures to learn stylistic expressivity with this genre. This is why choristers growing up within the cathedral and collegiate traditions are at such an advantage and why Eric found his desired ‘crystalline’ sound within the London professional choral scene. Eric retains a very relaxed shoulders and a stable central core when conducting and this has a significant impact on the physicality of the singers, the relaxed freedom of their sound and their fluid phrasing. Choral conducting is a specialised skill, with different gestures to instrumental conducting. Phrasing and vocal placement and the preparation, or anticipation of elements in the music are being expressed in the choral conducting, with the breath incorporated - not ‘the beat’ as such in a mechanical sense. Eric is a master at communicating these things, instinctively so too. The marriage of intention and expression. Very difficult to ‘teach’ that without becoming formulaic, which kills the authentic expression. The only other choral conductor I’ve experienced singing for who shares similarities with Eric (no wasted movement, fluidity, stillness, intensity, profound expressivity, vocal freedom...) is Ralph Allwood, for whom a number of the Eric Whitacre Singers sang as students and in their early careers. Eric also conducts from memory - that makes a big difference to long range phrase preparation and the big picture too. He enables his singers to ‘sing into the distance’, fluently rather than in short term units and you can see that fluidity in his gestures. It must be such a joy to sing under his direction.

[@aulbreytaylor4016]

This is probably the closest I've been to a religious experience. I felt my heart soar and break and it's just amazing, I'm so glad I found this

[@nicholastaranto6466]

+Aulbrey Taylor Spiritual Experience** Religion can be spiritual but what you felt my dear... It is purely spiritual. And it is amazing - a full body experience... I can literally feel the energy flowing inside my body...

[@davehshs651]

+Nicholas Taranto I fully agree. Spirituality is a direct experience of the Divine. Religion is belief in somebody else's experience of the Divine (Jesus, Mohammed, etc.)

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

When you feel it deep in the marrow of your bone, that is awesome. Aubrey, that is also telling you we are spiritual people by nature!

[@abandonedmuse]

Aulbrey Taylor music is a religious experience itself. No need for actual religion. :)

[@violetandjanis3160]

​@@davehshs651 Going to need to quote you on this simple yet profound statement.

[@radomanjaka3185]

11 years ago, I wish I could have attended this concert, yet I am enjoying with a full presence now more than ever!

[@hannahp7252]

Honestly some of the most beautifully composed music I've ever heard. There's a reason Whitacre is my favorite composer! :) Not to mention the emotion he has while conducting; simply moving.

[@bonnieshiah6570]

For those on a spiritual journey the power of this music by Whitacre is nourishment and peaceful substance for soul searching. Gives glory to our Creator. Feeling His smile thru the universe.

[@ToBeADeku]

Eric's demeanor is so light and airy when he conducts Alleluia.

[@jimmckechnie6798]

This is what I envision Heaven to sound like with all our perfect voices singing praises. Eric has melted my heart with emotion and has filled it with passion. I can't sing this good but in my own privacy I can soar with them all. Thank you Eric.

[@ronjon5962]

25:10 man!!! Whitacre’s face tells it all.. music is powerful.. and when you feel the energy from that massive 18-part chord and connect it with the words… my Goodness ! Exquisite

[@frankJacksonmusakali]

OCULI OMINIUM IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL

[@juliachan4158]

alleluia is the best one of them all

[@hunterthompson3610]

When David heard is in my opinion, can’t beat it

[@chosen1504]

I had the privilege to perform this great piece of music at Andrews University. If your not moved to tears while singing it then your not sining it right. Well done Eric for creating an awesome masterpiece that tells such a great story!

[@ZackAttack1798]

I love "This Marriage." The movement with everyone in perfect harmony is beautiful, but my favorite song is "When David Heard." I seriously love Eric Whitacre.

[@julianlanzillotta2915]

We are performing the hebrew love songs tomorrow in Buenos Aires, argentina. The music is beautiful and mysterious. My family will be there and im very happy. Thank you for your music, Eric!

[@heddie152]

Seeing Mr. Whitacre conduct his own work is so beautiful...

[@renee8498]

I couldn't imagine singing When David Heard. I would be sobbing the whole time!

[@JacobPadlock]

Definitely hands down the best recording of Her Sacred Spirit Soars to date. The final chord is fucking insane.

[@maliekgreen488]

Beautiful. Every since my choir sung "The Seal Lulliby", I've really been interested in Eric Whittacre's work. I am grateful to be able to visually see such a composer in the works. I would be honored to be part of his choir, or to even have him direct the choir I am in currently.

[@kennethwilbanks9713]

One weeps from the beauty being carried through your flesh and bones to full fill the souls sails... perfect. Perfect.

[@Vaselisk2024]

Thanks God for Eric and his talent

[@AW-uo9lg]

...and for music in general. Life would be miserable without beauty like this.

[@101xaplax101]

the sound is so extraordinary.....I put it on and intent to work but instead I am transfixed by it......totally captured by its beauty

[@corepathway5720]

I am beginning to believe that choral music is the apex of human achievement. Sure there are other exquisite forms of music and artistic expression, scientific and engineering marvels and other 'achievements', but nothing else has the purity of the 3 'C's: A Composition, a Conductor and a Choir - no instruments or accoutrements required. Choral Music is unique in how it is both inspired by and is able to express the entire range of human experience: joy and sorrow, celebration and wonderment, and of course meditation and a yearning for a connection/reconnection with loved ones and ultimately, God. Storytelling/poetry and dance are the other accoutrement-free forms of complete expression, but cultural perspective and linguistic translation is required. Dance comes in a close second, but as most dance is not performed in silence choral music retains primacy. Please understand that I am not denigrating or minimizing other musical, artistic or creative forms but rather marveling at how, from my perspective, the entirety of a human life and of human existence can be conveyed, complete with nuance and emotion with just the 3 Cs - composition, conductor, choir.

[@Jenifer.flute20]

Agreed. Well said.

[@rakishpablo1279]

You sir are a genius

[@Metamario68]

I agree, but my emotion is best portrayed by my instrument. But, if we were all the same, what's the point of living. I agree that overall the human voice is the most expressive, but to me the best way to produce the most expression is through an instrument. But I don't disagree with you.

[@carolynshoaf8306]

The human voice is the instrument of God.

[@eveclosson3333]

Top Three Favorites: When David Heard, Alleluia, and Lux Arumque. Absolutely beautiful♥️♥️♥️

[@Klebtomaniac]

The clashes that happen at 17:00 are just beautiful

[@samigoldberg5930]

I wonder how old you have to be to be able to audition for the Eric Whitacre Singers. It'd be my dream to tour around and perform his music with him as my conductor. It'd be a privilege just to audition for him! Their voices are so pure and I'd love to be able to grow as an artist singing with them!

[@derryfinkeldey]

that soloist has a divine voice. heavenly.

[@aurumque8]

I'm an english soprano myself, so I completely understand the clarity and the purity they possess. I describe them to my friends as "crystal glasses singing"

[@TheGrades90]

No other group of singers does it better. Perfect.

[@dlte1992]

17:10-17:59 FREAKING AMAZING...THE DISSONANCE IS INSANE

[@marissawindler9214]

“When David heard that Absolam was slain, he went up to his chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, thus he said, O my son Absolam! My son, my son Absolam! Would God I had died for thee, O Absolam, my son, my son!”

[@marissawindler9214]

Lyrics for those who can’t quite understand what they’re saying

[@faithnozomi7031]

I love this choir, this director and composer, this performance, this everything. My choir sang "Lux Aurumque" and it still is my absolute favorite, but "When David heard" is a hair breadth behind. Sheer masterful pieces.

[@MrsFingerhut]

I can´t believe, they are live at least as good- if not better than on their CD! Absolutly awsome! Congratulation for this beautiful concert. How I wish I could have been in the audience!

[@tomcherney42]

Eric Whitacre not only is so accomplished ,but actually has joy w/in fun of conducting his compositions...

[@DaWeezMan]

Blows my mind that Taylor Swift has millions of views and this has 96k... Come on people!

[@SALEENS7GTR5]

+DaWeezMan Her music is money, marketing. This is music. Pure music. Composed and performed for the sole purpose of the human emotion it brings. The money is just an after thought.

[@jeanmtiger]

This is like balm for the heart and soul Eric. Thank you so much for making these recordings available.

[@MrHarmonicSoul]

The soprano soloist in the choir on the end is the wonderful Grace Davidson. She has the purest vocals that I have ever heard. It's breath taking and makes my eyes water sometimes.

[@deadradioregime]

Nothing more beautiful the sound of a well-trained choir with a great selection of music!

[@junilconstantino5709]

May I ask Mr. Eric Whitacre? How were you able to compose "When David's Heard"? The emotion of the song really touches the heart of a broken man like crying and sobbing. I can literally hear it when I close my eyes. This is beyond ordinary composition. Thank you for making it.

[@dmemigh]

regarding Alleluia. I hardly know what to say. Breath-taking. I wept. And the 'amen'.....that 'amen'.....there are no words. I'm a Catholic, and I pray to God that much much more of your future work will be for a liturgical setting. It is for this that He made you. May God continue to bless you and inspire all of your work.

[@dmitrifreund]

I find Eric Whitacre's music so elegant. It breathes through me like the wind in a cool sometimes, clear and sometimes overcast autumn day, full of soothing melancholy. Облекчаяший мелохолия . . . Мир Иной . . .

[@angipang]

On the contrary, Eric has stated he is not an atheist, though he admits he isn't a Christian. He shares in one video, coded into the Water Night CD, his somewhat transformative experience that helped inspire him to write Alleluia. He contends with what seems to him to be untenable dogma, presumably in Christianity or perhaps Catholicism. Yet, at Cambridge he is awakening to some of the wisdom he sees and feels in worship. Eric has a very full life and heart and thus probably an open mind.

[@rmounty64]

Tths group is absolute perfection beyond compare

[@EricWhitacre]

Justin, it's "Her Sacred Spirit Soars", and it IS on the Water Night album. Cheers!

[@Maazel456]

What phenomenal music. I have yet to hear a piece of Eric Whitacre's that has not inspired me mentally and emotionally, these pieces included.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

I think if you are listening to music such as this and consider conducting style you may have missed out. I feel that Eric's music is like the great, deep waves of an ocean. Just allow yourself to be carried along on the waves and let your soul be enriched. Thanks so much for this music which touches me in my spirit, Eric.

[@jesslauren733125]

Eric Whitacre, marry me. Your passion for music is so visible when you conduct and there is very few people who you can really see that in anymore. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@psycoman183]

I have this doubt that you'll ever read this comment, but your work is truly the greatest music I have ever heard, Mr. Whitacre. Thank you for what you do!

[@RedPygmypuff]

This is my all time favorite concert ever recorder of Eric's music!

[@austinzach00]

Such beautiful music. Thank you, Eric Whitacre, for being a musical genius. So phenomenal.

[@homoignobilis]

Extraordinary! I can now add them to my favorite vocal groups such as the Swingle Singers and the Tallis Singers. This is the best "straight on" choir I've heard in ages. These pieces can be, I am convinced, performed by any good choir thanks to Eric Whitacre. Thank You all. You have today made my life a richer thing.

[@tgarrikc]

goosebumps. thank-you.

[@MrMnchstr]

Eric Having raised three boys, the youngest of which is 22, I can only imagne the pain you feel when you perform "When David Heard". I remember an interview where you mentioned a friend who had lost a young son and how difficult it was for you to do this piece live, I see that pain on your face during this performance and hope I never have to experience that personally. This work makes me cry because of the possibility of experiencing such loss or the Beauty of the piece itself or both. David

[@katmatally]

Absolutely exquisite.

[@nubie34]

This is stunning, I just wish they had included 'Sleep'.

[@mattyouyou2590]

So true, and « a boy and a girl »

[@capftefareuparau9463]

best regards from TAHITI CONSERVATORY !

[@susanflakes6968]

Just keep coming...no weapon formed against us will prosper..in JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD! WE ARE UNDER THE BLOOD OF JESUS...

[@ZehNettoOficial]

Music for the spirit...Thank's!

[@hilarylewis7017]

Truly angelic tones!! Thank you!!

[@PedroOliveira-ks5vz]

Thank you for sharing these amazing moments. The magic of the music you write and the way she flies through the voices of these wonderful singers... breathtaking. Thank you.

[@dopeblacktherapist]

i wish they performed Sleep

[@kinguszapapusza]

So incredibly beautiful, soulful, soothing, and uplifting. THANK YOU.

[@russbere7839]

from a hard Prog rock/metal man this is truly wonderful...Thanks

[@carterheikkila7010]

I can honestly say that I have listened to this live performance in full over ten times. It inspires me to this day.

[@aaronpowers3555]

Verry impressive well done 👏🏼

[@horacioandresdomenicucci9518]

Realmente maravilloso! Las obras hermosas, el coro y la dirección impecables, una interpretación que eriza la piel. No me alcanzan las palabras para halagarlos. Felicitaciones!!! Saludos de un coreuta de Argentina.

[@MatthewBardin]

One of the things I love about this video is how Eric's music binder is closed on his stand. It allows him to convey his emotions to the choir better, making for a more enjoyable performance.

[@ScottyP713]

Being a BYU Singers Alum and singing for Dr. Staheli and knowing his family and knowing his son who died, this piece even has more meaning to me.

[@annemason389]

Eric, I don't know if you're going to read this but I love your music so much! My older brother introduced it to me a few weeks ago, and now I listen to it all the time.

[@lindaserrano8156]

the new breed of composers amazing. I wanna be just like him some day vocal jazz is a mystery to never be solved

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

What a place to record. What sound! No time to discuss a directorial style. The proof is in the performance and sound. Aside from being some of the greatest choral music ever written it is flawlessly and ethereally done. I open each day with a little Whitacre and do my recovery readings and prayer. This is to be in touch with the divine, really!

[@JuanLorenZerimar]

This is so beautiful! Love! :)

[@brittanyphillips8658]

Eric Whitacre you are a master (a sexy one but that's besides the point). I love your music. I love how it's so powerful and beautiful. I feel so at peace listening to your music. Keep it up, cause this is powerful and something that I will never forget. Singing these pieces with my high school was the best experience of my life. For those who say it's boring, you don't know music, the majesty, the power, the essence that fills his arrangements. I am completely at peace Mr. Whitacre. Thank you

[@paulmason4875]

God is working the hands of faith to guide music and voice to realms unfathomed

[@user-pb6qf3gj4e]

Очень понравилось. Хотелось бы попасть на его концерт! Eric Whitacre, приезжайте в Россию. Любителей вашего творчества здесь очень много.

[@susanflakes6968]

We have our full armor on...committed to the LORD...resisting the enemy...HE HAS TO FLEE! in JESUS name! Thank YOU! LORD!....KEEP COMING..

[@jimmckechnie6798]

This is a preview of Heaven

[@SempreGumby]

Goodnight moon - a mouse in every picture! I must have read this book a hundred times to both my sons a long time ago. Thanks Eric.

[@MichaelKasifMusic]

I love your dissonance, your 4-3 suspensions, the way you create your pieces, and how harmonious and beautiful they sound. Whenever i hear one of your pieces i can distinguish that it is yours. You have your own sound, much like all great composers in history. The music you create hits me deeply as this is the type of music that i love to compose and aspire to. I am a composer myself and can only hope to dream in creating such masterpieces as you have. An hour of peace and serenity, thank you.