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
"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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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!!!
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.
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!!!!!!
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.
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.
i am a choir boy through and through and i do have an opinion when it comes to the conversation below. I am a bottom octave bass and being on the other end of the musical spectrum there are some similarities to whoever has a problem with the soprano in this performance. As in my sections i sing in where at the most myself and one other are allowed to drop an octave or more below the rest of the basses, i trust mr whitacre most likely had a few sopranos do most the step ups and project to stand out. The level he is at doesnt allow for rogue things to happen especially to his own music.
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! :)
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
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
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
English Lyrics: The rain ... Eyes of shadow-water eyes of well-water eyes of dream-water. Blue suns, green whirlwinds, pecks of light that open pomegranate stars. But tell me, burnt earth, is there no water? Only blood, only dust, only naked footsteps on the thorns? The rain awakens ... We must sleep with open eyes, We must dream with our hands we must dream dreams of active rivers Searching for their cause Dreams of the sun dreaming of its worlds we must dream aloud, we must sing till the song casts roots, trunks, branches, birds, stars, we must unearth the lost word, and remember what the blood, the tides, the earth, and the body say, and return to the point of departure
Truly one of the most captivating and massive performances of one of the most innovative and moving choral pieces yet assembled. Absolutely Breathtaking.
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.
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!
Is it just me, or does Eric Whitacre look just like Sawyer (James Ford) from the TV show Lost? pull up the pictures on Google, they look almost exactly the same.80
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.
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
I sang this with my old choir (herts country youth choir) in the Albert Hall. The sound just reverberated around the building - it had a magical atmosphere
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+
This amazing piece shows just what people can do when brought all together. The passion Eric Whitacre has for the song can be seen by just looking at his face. That passion is also shown by the singers, beautiful.
amazing.... a true masterpiece! This is what happens when our kids join to do something positive... Thank you Maestro Whitacre to show us how beautiful the world that we live in can be.
i salute those young choir boys! for pursuing their passion and dreams of a near-holy choir, taking criticism and mock from peers, yet persevering! also not to mention the honor of singing under THE Eric Whitacre at such a young age! maybe there is hope for this generation of pop culture
I can't believe I had the amazing privilege to perform this with the Texas All-State Mixed Choir this year! It's definitely been the most INCREDIBLE song I have performed. And with the most INCREDIBLE choir too! I can't wait for my recording to come in. :) TMEA All-State 2010-2011!
Oh my lord. Tears are running down my face. Never have I heard anything more beautiful. The most amazing harmonics ever, and the thunderous crescendo made me stand up from my seat and reach for the sky. absolutly brilliant! 10 stars mr Whitacre.
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.
loveeeee this song. i sang this my jr year in high school in choir at a competition for the 3 high school in my area and we blew them out of the water with this. we got a standing ovation from the other school which like never happens. the best part was that it was just our general choir not our advanced choir. sigh good times good times... i get goosebumps everytime i hear it
There are moments when something causes you to remember what got you into singing choral music...Eric Whitacre has given me those moments so many times with his music. Everytime I hear these beautiful sounds I immeadiately fall back in love with Choir. Thank you so very much Mr. Whitacre.
I found out today that this song was dedicated to my sight singing teacher in college. Holy cow!! What an honor that would be to have such a beautiful piece dedicated to you and being the one to commission it!
You can't help resenting E.W. for keeping his rock-star looks, but his music is always uplifting, and his evocation of a rainstorm had me laughing in delight! STUNNING!! .... a major talent. Gordon
This is sooo beautiful!!!I was listening to this last night on my radio alarm clock.....I was just laying in my bed and I thought this is what heaven sounds like!!I want this to be played at my funeral!!!!
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. :-)
They speaking enchantment table
^
^
It's Spanish
^ 🤣
it’s called spanish
Last night we performed this piece with my chorus in Córdoba, Argentina. It was amazing, im so happy right now!
i wish i could listen to this song for the first time again.
Hearing the this the first time was perfect.
Every time I listen to any of Eric's songs, chills run along my body. Such talent.
I'm about to
Kat, I understand completely! To create anew that musical experience! In his case, absolutely miraculous!
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
It's gotten to the point where I straight-up cry listening to Eric Whitacre. I can't help it.
+JoshSaysStuff It was the same for me...
"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.
Same here and I’m a grown ass man 😭
Lux Arumque makes me cry
Yes, it's that bad isn't i!
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.
Watching choral videos that zoom in on the faces of the choir make me realize how important it is to emote during a performance 😅
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
Jenna Ragsdale that makes me so sad. I would have cried too. I might cry anyway.
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!
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
"he smelled like fine scotch and cologne lol I almost died."LOL
Good for you! You'll never forget it.
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!
One of my favorite songs I sang in my high school choir, the amount of emotional impact at the climax is enormous.
+Xenath Cytrin I sang it in high school too!!!
+Nathan Jackson High school choir that is lol
me too 13 years ago!
Omg im about to sing it and I’m so frickin excited
During the storm part, I almost started crying.
Did anyone else get goosebumps? What a beautiful song!
I am literally having goosebumps right now!!
@@shblaze2998 same
Every single time, without fail!!!
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
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!!!
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.
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
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
I didn't realize they were professionally recording it! I was there.. it was such an amazing experience!
I can't even begin to describe my love for Eric Whitacre.
His music is beyond amazing.
To me anyway.
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.
The human voice is the most beautiful musical instrument ever. After this video, I have no doubts.
How? What? Why? Is it possible that someone can think to compose this insanity?
...and can I be taught how?
Look for Jacob collier's composition with voces 8
It'll blow your mind
This piece is such a timeless classic
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!!!!!!
Whenever I feel despair for the future of humanity, it's stuff like this that brings me back again. Beautiful!
I've heard a dozen versions, choral and instrumental, have sung it in choirs myself, and this one is still the best, by far.
That's cause it's Eric Whitacres actual choir. He wrote this piece, conducted and had his amazing choir perform it
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.
100% The absolute best piece of music i have ever experienced. I'm in tears......
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.
i am a choir boy through and through and i do have an opinion when it comes to the conversation below. I am a bottom octave bass and being on the other end of the musical spectrum there are some similarities to whoever has a problem with the soprano in this performance. As in my sections i sing in where at the most myself and one other are allowed to drop an octave or more below the rest of the basses, i trust mr whitacre most likely had a few sopranos do most the step ups and project to stand out. The level he is at doesnt allow for rogue things to happen especially to his own music.
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! :)
currently singing this in my chorus. really hard but i love it so much
It took my breath away! Without a doubt it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard! Bravo Bravo Bravo!!!
La lluvia... Absolutely beautiful Eric Whitacre in Spanish (and very interesting harmony) :):)
Yes. Corona has brought me to this.
On the other hand this is a wonderful song and I love it!
I nearly cried. Literally the most amazing thing I've ever heard.
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
Incredible. The complexity and brilliance of the piece is simply stunning.
When I get to heaven, I expect to see Eric Whitacre composing the angelic choir
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
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
this would fit nicely in halo.
That's exactly what I was thinking😂
@@zachkarp same
Oh my God.. Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes.
English Lyrics:
The rain ...
Eyes of shadow-water
eyes of well-water
eyes of dream-water.
Blue suns, green whirlwinds,
pecks of light that open
pomegranate stars.
But tell me, burnt earth,
is there no water?
Only blood, only dust,
only naked footsteps on the thorns?
The rain awakens ...
We must sleep with open eyes,
We must dream with our hands
we must dream dreams of active rivers
Searching for their cause
Dreams of the sun dreaming of its worlds
we must dream aloud,
we must sing till the song
casts roots,
trunks, branches, birds, stars,
we must unearth the lost word,
and remember
what the blood, the tides,
the earth, and the body say,
and return to the point of departure
En castellano por favor! El texto español
this was awazing ,brought tears to my eyes and i had goosbumps the whole time ,Eric Whitacre ,you are a gift too all mankind :)
Truly one of the most captivating and massive performances of one of the most innovative and moving choral pieces yet assembled. Absolutely Breathtaking.
I love how he conducts. He paints with the colors of the music.
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.
oh...oh my gosh...beautiful...I have no words.
I had the privilege of hearing this song live 3 days ago...
I cried.
If people can sing this good here on earth, I wonder how heavenly choir could be? Singing to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!
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!
I like how much it makes it seen like a rainstorm.... I got chills.
community being called for, sung from, envisioned & brought to life. bravo.
Does anybody else think that Eric Whitacre would be the perfect Jaime Lannister ??
EmbraceTheInevitable yesssss but i don't want him to be an as***le :((
This is just too perfect.
This gave me goosebumps ... and then made me cry! So beautiful.
YOU BETTER HAVE SNAPPED YOUR FINGERS GOD-DAMNIT.
almost sprained my finger.
I can't snap T~T
Is it just me, or does Eric Whitacre look just like Sawyer (James Ford) from the TV show Lost? pull up the pictures on Google, they look almost exactly the same.80
I had thought so too hahahahahaha
OH MY GOD YES HAHAHAHA I noticed the same in this very week
every thing he writes has me on the edge of my seat beging for more
I can hear the rain fall and the cloud burst. Beautiful.
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.
this is truley incredible! i could listen to it all day
This song is so beautiful. It breaks my heart and baptizes my soul every time i hear it.
Never get tired of singing, playing, hearing, analyzing this...always learning from Whitacre ^^
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
I cry everytime I hear this
I sang this with my old choir (herts country youth choir) in the Albert Hall. The sound just reverberated around the building - it had a magical atmosphere
lakerose Fantastic! What a beautiful sound it must’ve made in that lovely hall.
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+
For anyone looking Soprano solo starts around 5:09 and the bass Solo starts at exactly 1:00
WOW!!!!! This could move mountains. Someone get Eric Whitacre and his choir to perform in front of the world leaders.
That is fantastic!!!!! Sounded so much better than when we did it.
I'm so glad that you got to participate in this experience!
This amazing piece shows just what people can do when brought all together. The passion Eric Whitacre has for the song can be seen by just looking at his face. That passion is also shown by the singers, beautiful.
Person can take only so many goosebumps...
Eric Whitacre gets it!
My daughter will be singing this for her all-state choir in February. I am so excited for her!
That many voices and hands made this song sound better than I have ever heard it sound. That was AMAZING! What an ending!
-Scott, EWVC
I have a cloudburst in my eyes!!!! D':
amazing.... a true masterpiece! This is what happens when our kids join to do something positive... Thank you Maestro Whitacre to show us how beautiful the world that we live in can be.
revisiting this in the morning, how awesome it had to be to perform with such group and the maestro himself. every time I get to cry, wow
he's such a genius and inspiration. plus, his hair is legendary. lol
i salute those young choir boys! for pursuing their passion and dreams of a near-holy choir, taking criticism and mock from peers, yet persevering! also not to mention the honor of singing under THE Eric Whitacre at such a young age!
maybe there is hope for this generation of pop culture
I can't believe I had the amazing privilege to perform this with the Texas All-State Mixed Choir this year! It's definitely been the most INCREDIBLE song I have performed. And with the most INCREDIBLE choir too! I can't wait for my recording to come in. :)
TMEA All-State 2010-2011!
Oh my lord. Tears are running down my face.
Never have I heard anything more beautiful. The most amazing harmonics ever, and the thunderous crescendo made me stand up from my seat and reach for the sky. absolutly brilliant! 10 stars mr Whitacre.
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.
My Choir was invited to sing at linkin center with Eric Whitarce and this is one of the songs he picked so exciting
loveeeee this song. i sang this my jr year in high school in choir at a competition for the 3 high school in my area and we blew them out of the water with this. we got a standing ovation from the other school which like never happens. the best part was that it was just our general choir not our advanced choir. sigh good times good times...
i get goosebumps everytime i hear it
There are moments when something causes you to remember what got you into singing choral music...Eric Whitacre has given me those moments so many times with his music. Everytime I hear these beautiful sounds I immeadiately fall back in love with Choir. Thank you so very much Mr. Whitacre.
Any other people reminded of the Halo theme at the beginning of this song? They're really similar.
Oh....my God. This was breathtaking. 6:08, my heart stopped. The majesty of a storm, the voices of the angels...amazing. Simply spectacular.
Everyone in this auditorium audience just fucking got reborn. Piece of history
eric whitacre+big choir+amazing song= GENIUS!!
I found out today that this song was dedicated to my sight singing teacher in college. Holy cow!! What an honor that would be to have such a beautiful piece dedicated to you and being the one to commission it!
I’m about to play thundersheet on this piece in an hour and I’m nervous
Oh, my goodness, this is simply indescribable. Thank you Lord for blessing us with such a gift in Eric Whitacre!
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!
You can't help resenting E.W. for keeping his rock-star looks, but his music is always uplifting, and his evocation of a rainstorm had me laughing in delight! STUNNING!! .... a major talent. Gordon
I nearly teared up because it was that beautiful.
Try watching this with your eyes close, it sounds so peaceful.
This is sooo beautiful!!!I was listening to this last night on my radio alarm clock.....I was just laying in my bed and I thought this is what heaven sounds like!!I want this to be played at my funeral!!!!
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. :-)