Eric Whitacre

Written based on a poem of the same title by Octavio Paz A Boy and a Girl is Whitacre at his finest with the composer himself describing four measures as 'the truest notes I've ever written'.Stretched out on the grassa boy and agirl.Savoring their oranges giving their kisses like waves exchanging foam.Stretched out on the beach a boy and a girl.Savoring their limes giving their kisses like clouds exchangingfoam.Stretched out underground a boy and a girl.Saying nothing never kissing giving silence for silence.    Octavio Paz 1914-1998

For Flexible Wind Band. A new arrangement of the Whitacre classic created during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of The Creative Repertoire Initiative. Arranged with maximum flexibility in mind, the work can be performed by any of the following ensembles: concert band (with as few as six wind players), brass ensemble, clarinet choir, saxophone choir, woodwind choir.

“Sleep My Child” comes from Eric Whitacre's work for musical theater Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. Originally written for two sopranos and mezzo (portrayed as three angels) it was adapted for band in 2012by Jeffrey Gershman at the request of the composer and is the latest title in a growing catalog of Whitacre's compositions (October Sleep Lux Aurumque and The Seal Lullaby) that illustrate his sincere commitment tocreating lush beautiful music for winds.

The continuing popularity of Eric Whitacre's dramatic and evocative music is evident in concert programming everywhere with his symphonic choral and operatic works. October is arguably his most notable symphonic work now adapted in this stunning version for wind/concert band.

Sing Gently for Flexible Wind Band. An adaptable arrangement of Whitacre's ?Sing Gently? arranged by Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant during the COVID-19 pandemic. An audio track that can be used to replace the piano part in performance is included as part of the purchase of the score. The track can be downloaded using a code printed in the score.

Sleep My Child comes from Eric Whitacre's work for musical theater Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. Originally written for two sopranos and mezzo (portrayed as three angels) it was adapted for band in 2012 by Jeffrey Gershman at the request of the composer and is the latest title in a growing catalog of Whitacre's compositions (October Sleep Lux Aurumque and The Seal Lullaby) that illustrate his sincere commitment to creating lush beautiful music for winds.

A Boy and a Girl. A note from the composer: A Boy and a Girl is such a tender, delicate, exquisite poem. I simply tried to quiet myself and find the music hidden within the words. I'm often asked which of my compositions is my favorite. I don't really have one that I love more than the others, but I do feel that the four measures that musically paint the text never kissing may be the truest notes I've ever written. -Eric Whitacre

A wild ride from the composer of October and Ghost Train! Equus is the Latin word for horse and this moto perpetuo perfectly captures the fury and majesty of this magnificent animial. Commissioned by Gary Green and the Universityof Miami Equus is not for the faint of heart! (Grade 5) Dur: 10:00

This loving and dreamlike work captures the undulating rhythm of a mother rocking her child to sleep.The piece was inspired by classic Rudyard Kipling: “Oh! Hush thee my baby the night is behind us And black are the waters that sparkled so green. The moon o'er the combers looks downward to find us At rest in the hollows that rustle between.” Magical! (Grade 4)