Eric Whitacre is a Grammy award winning composer who has become an international classical music sensation. His first album, Light & Gold, reached #1 on the classical music charts in both the US and the UK within a week of being released. There's not too many debut artists that can claim that in any genre of music - especially if they aren't related to the American Idol phenomenon. (Yes, this is me rolling my eyes. I know some of you just adore that show, but I haven't seen it ever, and I don't intend to!) It was no surprise that Water Night followed right in those footsteps and landed at #1 right away, either. He is currently Composer in Residence at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge University, UK.
Water Night contains a mix of full orchestra and lyrical music from the Eric Whitacre Singers, his professional choir. The CD contains seven world premiere recordings amongst it. Here is the complete track listing:
1. "Alleluia"
2. "Equus"
3. "Oculi Omnium"
4. "The River Cam"
5. "Her Sacred Spirit Soars"
6. "Water Night"
7. "Goodnight Moon"
8. "When David Heard"
9. "Sleep My Child"
If you spotted the song "Goodnight Moon", yes, it is based on the children's storybook, and one of the most beautiful lullabies you'll ever hear. It's hard for me to choose a favorite off this CD, because I truly enjoy them all. I'd lean towards loving more the songs with the help of the Eric Whitacre Singers, only because they are simply ethereal. They are AMAZING. Exquisite. Dare I say - perfection?! If this CD doesn't move you and give you goosebumps, I just don't know what to say.
You can visit the Eric Whitacre's website here, where you can find out more about his projects, especially his Virtual Choir.
Eric Whitacre Water Night is available now wherever CD's are sold, as well as for download on sites like iTunes. You can purchase the album via Amazon.com too, where it's priced at just $11.37 as of this posting.
I received a copy of this CD in order to listen to it and share my thoughts on it. All opinions are my own.
1 comment:
Thank you for an excellent review!
A very talented artist and absolutely beautiful music! I now own a copy and listened to each tract with absolute pleasure! I read his comments about each piece and enjoyed discovering I'd heard him before! Hubby an Elgar fan too so double pleasure!
Blessings to all,
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