Eric Whitacre

“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.

Commissioned for the 2002 Indiana All-State Band Cloudburst is an adaptation of Whitacre's acclaimed choral work of the same name. Lush and luminescent Cloudburst combines hand bells thunder sheets and the audience (snapping their fingers) transforming the entire theater into a magnificent thunderstorm. A profoundly moving work for musicians and audience.

Light and Gold-Commissioned by the Texas Music Educators Association for their 2005 All-State Band Lux Aurumque is an extraordinarily lush and poignant adaptation of one of Eric Whitacre's most popular choral works. Gorgeous simple triads melt from one beautiful chord to the next creating a slowly evolving wash of colors and light. Elegantly orchestrated by the composer Lux Aurumque is a profoundly moving experience for players and audiences alike. (Grade 4) (5:30)

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)

From composer Eric Whitacre comes a brand new work the lush and achingly beautiful Sleep. Commissioned by the Big East Consortium this haunting chorale begins softly and slowly blossoms to a powerful climax. Can also be performed with optional SATB chorus with original text by celebrated American poet Charles Anthony Silvestri. (5:40)

Conceived as a raucous 'opera buffo' style overture this new work from composer Eric Whitacre is the perfect way to start any concert. The beautiful theme and brilliant orchestration build to an exciting and breathtaking finale. Noisy Wheels of Joy was commissioned by the Band Composers Masterworks Consortium and premiered at the 2001 ABA convention by the UNLV Wind Symphony.