Whitacre

Eric Whitacre is one of my favorite choral composers, and his works are often transcribed into instrumentals. His music beautifully strides the line between intellectualism and beauty- a feat where many modern composers fail.  The instrumental versions of his choral works are outstanding, and they give a new and interesting perspective on the pieces. 

1) This version of Lux Aurumque is for concert band. This renedition of the song gives it more strength while retaining its warmth. The swells are particularly well done in this take, and each instrument successfully accents their part of the piece. I may like the instrumental more than the choral...it's too close to call.
Lux Aurumque 


2) This string rendition of Water Night is breathtaking. The strings add so much more emotion and drama to the piece. The swells, stops, rubato- all of these are excellently executed and well-suited for strings. It changes the solemn, dark tone of the piece into a heartbreaking one. 
Water Night


3) Sleep is a favorite among Whitacre's pieces, and this rendition for concert band is so well done. Little additions throughout the piece such as the chiming bells, brief oboe solos, and quiet flutes at the top of the mix really add depth to the piece. The climax beginning at 3:54 is so magnificent and cathartic- it just reaches into the deepest part of you and tugs at your soul.  
Sleep