Eric Whitacre's "Whitacre: Choral Music" is a captivating collection of a cappella choral works that showcases the composer's unique ability to blend poetic texts with exquisite musical arrangements. Released on June 15, 2010, under the Naxos label, this album spans a duration of 61 minutes and features the Elora Festival Singers, conducted by the composer himself.
The album opens with "Her Sacred Spirit Soars," setting the tone for a journey through Whitacre's evocative compositions. Tracks like "A Boy and a Girl," "Water Night," and "This Marriage" highlight his knack for storytelling, while "Lux Aurumque" and "Little tree" demonstrate his mastery of creating lush, resonant soundscapes. The album also includes the moving "When David Heard," the whimsical "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine," and the reflective "3 Songs of Faith: I thank you God for most This amazing day."
One of the standout pieces is "Sleep," a serene lullaby that exemplifies Whitacre's ability to evoke deep emotion through music. The album concludes with "Little Birds," leaving the listener with a sense of tranquility and wonder.
Whitacre's dedication to the beauty of sound is evident throughout this collection, which was also published as a printed music compilation by Chester Music. The album is a testament to his growing reputation as a leading voice in contemporary choral music, further cemented by his work with the Eric Whitacre Singers and their chart-topping albums. "Whitacre: Choral Music" is a must-experience for fans of choral music and a perfect introduction to the works of Eric Whitacre.