Eric Whitacre conducts "Sleep"

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  • Опубліковано 7 лип 2009
  • Choral superstar Eric Whitacre conducted the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, The St. Olaf Choir, and the 160-voice Minnesota High School Honors Choir in a performance of "Sleep"--part of the sold-out VocalEssence "Eric Whitacre Extravaganza" on March 22, 2009 at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 650

  • @BarbershopHero
    @BarbershopHero 14 років тому +74

    This whole song is one giant chordgasm.

  • @iridiansanchez1560
    @iridiansanchez1560 8 років тому +60

    This is the best fucking decrescendo I've ever heard

    • @gertv2
      @gertv2 7 років тому +1

      You mean diminuendo?

    • @Mlantow20
      @Mlantow20 7 років тому +21

      same shit - decrescendo is specifically for music, where diminuendo can be used for everything undergoing a gradually reduction in force or loudness

    • @midnightskyofficial
      @midnightskyofficial 6 років тому

      Hendrick Lamar same thing

  • @boobsmakemehappy1
    @boobsmakemehappy1 10 років тому +205

    The basses sound so mature, oh my god.

    • @WilliamFord972
      @WilliamFord972 9 років тому +9

      Vinay Thomas This made my evening.

    • @NuggetEternal
      @NuggetEternal 9 років тому +1

      Vinay Thomas lmao!

    • @jck1794
      @jck1794 9 років тому +8

      boobsmakemehappy1 they're not all high schoolers. there are some more mature voices mixed in with them.

    • @limeffdd
      @limeffdd 3 роки тому +3

      you know its youtube when you find a nostalgic video and the top comment is from someone named boobsmakemehappy1 LOL

  • @theBlackBearrrr
    @theBlackBearrrr 8 років тому +143

    Eric Whitacre is a musical genius. I swear this is one of the most beautiful songs ever

  • @Joxii4
    @Joxii4 10 років тому +259

    Of all the songs I ever sang in choir, this one is by far my favorite. It's one of the most beautiful arrangements I've ever heard, and when you're performing it with the rest of the choir, I swear, something magical happens. It gives me goosebumps every time. You just feel a perfect unity of all the voices around you, and as it concludes, there's a moment where the world is just so still and quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Just breathtakingly beautiful.

    • @fifteen6535
      @fifteen6535 8 років тому +3

      I have a good friend who performed Water Night in an honors choir, and she couldn't make it through the song without crying. Every time.

    • @MultiJMinecraft
      @MultiJMinecraft 6 років тому +1

      YusukeIsMine imagine singing it with him conducting you... that was me last week it was an insane experience

    • @tostare
      @tostare 5 років тому

      I'm (Bass 1) learning it with my choir at the moment for our xmas concert. It is pretty magical.

    • @rachelp3090
      @rachelp3090 5 років тому

      YusukeIsMine I have performed this song too and I completely agree

    • @margaretkuwata6794
      @margaretkuwata6794 2 роки тому

      I know the feeling-I live for that feeling.

  • @sravantipasumamula6803
    @sravantipasumamula6803 9 років тому +80

    The first time I heard this song, I actually cried. I'm a soprano and I absolutely love the soprano parts. 'As I surrender unto sleep' just so beautiful..

    • @swalea6507
      @swalea6507 3 роки тому +2

      Once AGAIN no CARES about the ALTOS

  • @janeesejefferson4873
    @janeesejefferson4873 7 років тому +57

    My choir actually had the chance to work with Eric in a massive highschool choir festival at WVU for a day. We sang this and seal lullaby, literally the best choir experience I ever had. He is such an amazing director and person, he gave so many useful tips and pointers. Singing this song on stage with 610 other choir students as dedicated to music as I am and Eric Whitacre directing was literally magical. I actually shed a few tears while singing because it was truly beautiful. An experience I will never forget

    • @laurenj432
      @laurenj432 3 роки тому +2

      Wow that sounds beautiful. I’m so happy for you that you were able to experience that💕

    • @teatrolites3446
      @teatrolites3446 2 роки тому

      That’s so amazing!

  • @thedarkcrystall
    @thedarkcrystall 8 років тому +36

    chills and tears all at once

  • @tubamaestro55
    @tubamaestro55 14 років тому +9

    Damn... I want this piece played at my funeral. I want it sung by a whole choir... I don't care if I'm not there to hear it... I'm sitting here nearly crying... Whitaker is a musical genius and he knows how to write heartfelt pieces with amazing chords. I'm not in chorus, but I am in band, and I find this one the most amazing pieces ever written for a large ensemble. Getting softer and softer at the end is just absolutely amazing... God bless music!

  • @midnightskyofficial
    @midnightskyofficial 9 років тому +93

    Love the chord when it says "bed"

    • @TheLemonTempest
      @TheLemonTempest 8 років тому +7

      +Agent Napkin That chord gives be goosebumps.... I love this song so much.

    • @TheGrandBrand
      @TheGrandBrand 8 років тому +11

      +Agent Napkin
      To my ears it's a F major chord +2nd +4th. The first five degrees of a major scale, in other words. I absolutely love the harmony in Whitacre. It's so sweet you can taste it.

    • @stevend285
      @stevend285 6 років тому +1

      Nah "Soooon"

    • @ziruini5071
      @ziruini5071 6 років тому +2

      NIGHTSTALKER the basses give me chills on that chord

  • @OMGLOLPEACEOUT
    @OMGLOLPEACEOUT 11 років тому +2

    This is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be in choir.

  • @FlutistPride
    @FlutistPride 11 років тому +8

    Love it when composers conduct their own music.

  • @Amontanea
    @Amontanea 12 років тому +2

    If you are not In choir u are missing out in the most wonderful experience in your whole life.

  • @ChuChild
    @ChuChild 8 років тому +21

    performed this the other day. only three sopranos were allowed to sing soprano one because only three of us could master and sing the top notes without taking a breath. it's really a lovely piece ^-^

  • @danielbowers457
    @danielbowers457 5 років тому +11

    My wind ensemble band in high school played this and it's the only time I ever had tears in my eyes during one of our performances.

  • @lillyyosua7969
    @lillyyosua7969 7 років тому +9

    When the men join in at "what dreams may come both dark and deep" is so expressive and amazingly sung

  • @curtbarnes4294
    @curtbarnes4294 7 років тому +58

    The evening hangs beneath the moon
    A silver thread on darkened dune
    With closing eyes and resting head
    I know that sleep is coming soon
    Upon my pillow, safe in bed
    A thousand pictures fill my head
    I cannot sleep my minds a flight
    And yet my limbs seem made of lead
    If there are noises in the night
    A frighting shadow, flickering light
    Then I surrender unto sleep
    Where clouds of dreams give second sight
    What dreams may come both dark and deep
    Of flying wings and soaring leap
    As I surrender unto sleep
    As I surrender unto sleep

  • @brianbaumgarn5795
    @brianbaumgarn5795 11 років тому +2

    I was priviledged to play for some great conductors as a young high school student over (ouch)! 45 years ago. The young people performing this music had a mountain top experience being there and that is going to become more and more a part of their being as they age. To be directed by the composer of such beautiful music, wow people!

  • @OrganMaster310
    @OrganMaster310 13 років тому +2

    Learning this in the choir I am in. Just soo beautiful. Brings me to tears.

  • @StephenVTran
    @StephenVTran 9 років тому +17

    Amazing. I tried sleeping to this but then everyone started clapping, still so beautiful

  • @DamnToe
    @DamnToe 10 років тому +25

    3:31-3:40 is just BEAUTIFUL.

  • @anthonyramirez7272
    @anthonyramirez7272 10 років тому +25

    God, imagine hearing this for the first time. I've been listening to this song for almost 4 years now and I'm hearing it like it was the first time I heard this timeless masterpiece. And I've come to love the number 2:52 because that's where on the Light and gold version by the EWS, is when the most amazing choral sound I've ever heard is played time after time. It's absolutely timeless to me. It holds sentimental value to me and I'll never forget this stunning song.

  • @SheepUnderwater
    @SheepUnderwater 10 років тому +57

    I was an Alto 2 in the All State Choir that did this is SW Oklahoma last year. I loved doing the Alto part because we got to create the disonent chord on "soon". I still get goosebumps hearing it cause it isn't often done in music. I still remember most of the part I sung but I didn't get to keep the sheet music... still a beautiful piece and I would do anything to sing it again.

    • @AndrewHokanson
      @AndrewHokanson 10 років тому +3

      In our arrangement of "Address to the Moon" the Tenor 2s got to create the dissonance, I wish it was done more often in choral music.

    • @JohnFKennedy420
      @JohnFKennedy420 7 років тому

      Intergalactic Fantastic our choir sang this too and I feel the same way. Would do absolutely anything to create such a beautiful sound again

    • @theodouglas8856
      @theodouglas8856 4 роки тому

      i know you posted this 6 years ago, but we're doing this in our high school choir and if you want ill send it to you, i can keep mine

    • @jashonlucius4244
      @jashonlucius4244 4 роки тому

      Could somebody explain the idea behind the dissonance... I want to use it to arrange some vocal harmonies

  • @Republicrat74
    @Republicrat74 14 років тому +2

    Congratulations to all of you who've had the pleasure of being part of fine Choral performances. Only those who have can appreciate the thrill of making great music together. I sang with choirs and chorales for 62 years. Most memorable was singing Bass in a performance of the Verdi Requiem with the Chicago Symphony at Orchestra Hall. The first time we all were together was the dress rehearsal, and I can still recall the awesome power of the Dies Irae ringing in that empty empty hall!!

  • @Allinfun6789
    @Allinfun6789 Рік тому +1

    Choir was a huge deal back in high school in the 1980s. This kind of experience was every day in rehearsal..but oh wow how cool would it have been to do an Eric Whitacre piece. I feel robed.

  • @tennotes
    @tennotes 12 років тому +4

    Such intensity. Every eye was on the conductor. You could tell every single person wanted to perform perfectly for this man and his music. It's funny how sleep can be so powerful!! Congratulations to these young singers.

  • @davidcat436
    @davidcat436 6 місяців тому +1

    I absolutely love this piece and this particular performance of it. I listen to it over and over, and never get tired of it. Such an honor for anyone who was a part of this performance.

  • @masongonzales4036
    @masongonzales4036 12 років тому +1

    This is such a beautiful piece. Mr. Whitacre is an amazing person.

  • @JoshLeRose
    @JoshLeRose 9 років тому +9

    Brilliant, and inspiring. This piece made me fall in love with Whitacre's music.

  • @Martas247
    @Martas247 10 років тому +11

    Absolutely breathtaking - the arrangement, chord progression, dynamics & feel. Stunning composition. Eric you are a real star.

  • @CelticHarmony15
    @CelticHarmony15 12 років тому +5

    I'm in an advanced women's chorus called charisma and I've had the opportunity to sing she weeps over rahoon, sleep, and seal lullaby both at school and in honor choir performances. Regardless of how much time elapses, I never forget the notes I sang in whitacre's pieces. He is a sexy musical genius....I would faint if he conducted us. He brings out the best in every vocalist.

  • @andristic
    @andristic 10 років тому +8

    This made me tear up like four different times. Partly from nostalgia from performing this in high school but most definitely because of the awesome choir and the great piece.

  • @harmonythouart
    @harmonythouart 12 років тому +1

    had the privilege of singing this with one of the top choirs in the country with his private instruction... the greatest song I ever got to sing. When you're in the middle of it... the harmonies and dissonant moments are just out of this gave us chills just singing it. Its still one of my favorite compositions- although all of his work I've gotten to sing I loved...

  • @Orinthophobia13
    @Orinthophobia13 13 років тому +1

    I don't know why I was crying while listening to this. So beautiful what human voices can create.

  • @maddeegirl1
    @maddeegirl1 13 років тому

    my chorus and band teachers showed me this and i havent stopped watching it sinse... this is a beautiful song... i wish our chorus and band could do this.... eric whitacre is amazing!

  • @accooper1994
    @accooper1994 8 років тому +54

    What I would pay to see this live is painful

    • @kimsmith1383
      @kimsmith1383 5 років тому +2

      I just read an email from my Chorus President of the West Coast Singers that we will be performing it this Fall. West Coast Singers is in Los Angeles. Where are you?

  • @xXRockStevenXx
    @xXRockStevenXx 14 років тому +1

    This was the recording that got me addicted to Eric Whitacre's music. I love this song.

  • @TheVineWithLeslie
    @TheVineWithLeslie 13 років тому

    i performed this song while back in 2006 with ld bell hs choir !!!! best song ever!, goosebumps, tears, elegance..!! I bet my dear friend mr. valverde is singing here, this lovely song, again, only this time conducted by the genius who created it!!!

  • @KyMiyu
    @KyMiyu 13 років тому +1

    It makes a guy like me happy to just see all of these people completely entranced in the music they are singing. Almost 200 people and all of them have the same passion and understanding as the person next to them. All those people. One mans dream.

  • @iGookin
    @iGookin 13 років тому +1

    Astounding. This choir couldn't have been in a better place - this Orchestra Hall is just perfect for this sound.

  • @andyadams9174
    @andyadams9174 12 років тому +1

    This is the music that transcends the material realm!

  • @Mandola-Jane
    @Mandola-Jane 13 років тому

    Stunning. Simply Stunning!! 5:45 minutes of heavenly voices! What a treat!

  • @ageshero
    @ageshero 14 років тому

    No music can be more beautiful than one voice combined from many others.
    Music in heaven i would interpret to sound like this, but as if everyone one who was ever alive had sung all together at once, To praise in one voice.
    Which is why this music i find to be so beautiful

  • @kghobbes
    @kghobbes 14 років тому

    first chord = chills. and they never stopped coming. and i swear to God i'm not exaggerating about that. so so SO beautiful.

  • @w1011457
    @w1011457 14 років тому

    The men in this ensemble are truly spectacular...a well rounded choir altogether but the guys really pulled this one off for me. Way to go, great show!

  • @pedropetrucci2884
    @pedropetrucci2884 10 місяців тому

    You might call it perfection. Just like that, ‘perfection’. I remember when I sang this stunning Erick Whitacre’s piece with the Coral Societas, once in a university choral competition. It was only once and I'm sure it marked everyone's lives in the chorus. I remember my friend, Camilo, shaking next to me and looking at my eyes when the piece was coming to an end. Yes, we both had felt the deep touch of death while singing. I’ve never ever been so close to heaven and death, at the same time, as I was at that moment. Sleep” always makes us think of the dead, not as an end but as a sweet resting, quiet and chill. “Sleep”. Memorable performance. I really miss the chorus.

  • @franzflemming
    @franzflemming 8 років тому +16

    1:07 Love this Chord!

    • @jotaerreito
      @jotaerreito 5 місяців тому +1

      It is F Major (add4) (add9). Allan Holdsworth used it a lot.

  • @charlienawa4354
    @charlienawa4354 5 років тому +2

    1:07 i have never heard such a funky, beautiful, dissonant, and unusual chord in my life. thank you eric whitacre

    • @jotaerreito
      @jotaerreito 5 місяців тому

      It is F Major (add4) (add9). Allan Holdsworth used it a lot.

  • @greatgiginthesky9898
    @greatgiginthesky9898 14 років тому +1

    This is one of the most beautiful works of art I've ever heard

  • @sirr09
    @sirr09 14 років тому

    every time i hear this song, i can't help but sing the tenor/tenor 1 part right along with it. this song is forever imprinted in my head.

  • @951murr
    @951murr 13 років тому

    This song is painfully beautiful, as are many of eric whitacre's composition.
    It's so beautiful, it makes you choke.

  • @rebeccavon9321
    @rebeccavon9321 8 років тому +5

    Reminds me of when I sang with my districts ILMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) choir, amazing

  • @jswizzletdrizzle
    @jswizzletdrizzle 13 років тому +2

    My school's Varsity Singers sang this at State and got the highest rating. No wonder, how could you not with this amazing piece. Eric Whitacre is a modern musical genius!! The way he conducts the choir, the way he makes them decrescendo into NOTHING at the end. The tight harmonies and haunting melody.... i just can't get over it.

  • @leslieackerman4189
    @leslieackerman4189 3 роки тому

    Marvelous. A choral voice along another great living American composer: Morten Lauridsen. Kudos.

  • @Luca-gj9xn
    @Luca-gj9xn 3 роки тому +3

    You are very good and this song is really beautiful! My choir sang it during one of our last performances. Write this in the search. You're going to love it for sure!
    Corale Novarmonia - Sleep (E. Whitacre)

    • @soleeombra6261
      @soleeombra6261 3 роки тому +1

      It's wonderful! You are very talented! :)

  • @SeanAttk
    @SeanAttk 12 років тому +3

    Had a remembrance service just an hour ago, and this was sung. I literally was suppressing tears it was so beautiful and evoked so many feelings and experiences :')
    So beautiful

  • @LorinTone
    @LorinTone 13 років тому

    Let's face it folks. Never mind his looks, Mr. Whitacre is the real deal.
    And his swollen (choir) membership is about to treat us with new gifts.
    A loud and hearty cheer for all the vocalists who did this bit, and all the rest who are on his current project.

  • @scoopztb
    @scoopztb 13 років тому

    This is awesome. The smile he makes after conducting is awesome to. He loves what he does.

  • @2145791
    @2145791 13 років тому +1

    I listened to it on loud during disgusting firework night,I suffer from PTS following an explosion at work.I (and my four Jack Russells) thank Eric for his therapy and bliss.

  • @balancebean
    @balancebean 12 років тому

    Absolutely breathtaking! I clicked this video on accident...I love accidents. Truly magnificent!

  • @islaythejabberwokky
    @islaythejabberwokky 12 років тому

    DANG, that blend is perfection...
    ERIC I WORSHIP THEE

  • @Artexanis
    @Artexanis 13 років тому

    how can you dislike this? there are no words for this...

  • @crazy4harrypotter7
    @crazy4harrypotter7 13 років тому

    Amazing! Our highest honors choir did this song and it sounded amazing but this is astounding. And as for the coughing it's Minnesota people! I live there and it freezing 10 of the 12 months!

  • @brianbaumgarn5795
    @brianbaumgarn5795 10 років тому +3

    The first time I played Warren Benson's "The Leaves are Falling" in concert with symphonic band it was a transcendant experience. Now many years later, I am moved that deeply by the music of Eric Whitacre all the time. I know all the vocalists who performed on that evening in Minnesota will carry experience with them all their lives. This is an amazing performance, too!

  • @msowinski64
    @msowinski64 15 років тому

    Absolutely incredible music...chorus.....what a director and composer!

  • @CharlieBladeRemus
    @CharlieBladeRemus 13 років тому

    Eric Whitacre might be coming to my school! I can't wait to sing what he has in store!!!!

  • @Amb3r911
    @Amb3r911 14 років тому

    This is the prettiest thing I have ever heard..........

  • @SteelBump8
    @SteelBump8 2 роки тому

    Best and biggest high school choir I've ever seen.

  • @adriaunaa5745
    @adriaunaa5745 5 років тому +4

    This is so amazing I love it

  • @WinyanHanhepiwi
    @WinyanHanhepiwi 15 років тому

    I envy all of you fortunate to have worked with Whitacre. That must be quite an experience.
    This might be my all time favorite Whitacre piece, although it's hard to choose just one.

  • @iGookin
    @iGookin 14 років тому

    This is my favorite Eric Whitacre piece.

  • @SirFrancealot
    @SirFrancealot 14 років тому

    My choir won the CBC choral competition a few years ago probably only because we performed this piece well. Definitely one of my favourite choral compositions of the past half century.

  • @RazorToothMusic
    @RazorToothMusic 9 років тому +20

    I never get tired of listening to this song. Just amazing :D

  • @dookie_mane
    @dookie_mane 4 місяці тому

    At the end it’s literally feels like you’re falling asleep it’s amazing

  • @wlutes558
    @wlutes558 13 років тому

    don't forget to notice-Eric Whitacre is an accomplished and artistic conductor. He KNOWS what he's doing.
    Good placement by the sopranos in this song.

  • @GusTheWolfgang
    @GusTheWolfgang 4 роки тому +1

    I was just listening to this with a serious expression on my face, and when the climax came I just bursted into tears and laughter. This is a beautiful piece and I am glad I could listen to such a wonderful interpretation!

  • @RashadAmand
    @RashadAmand 15 років тому

    Oh my Lord in Heaven above!!!!!!!! This is just proof of God's existance! Just Listen!!!!! I am just baffeled by the unity of tone, the blend, the tone, and the pianissimo at the end! Very very few people/groups can achieve that level of singing!!

  • @FilBurns
    @FilBurns 12 років тому

    My heart, stopped beating listening to this. completely beautiful.

  • @TheCaseylaw
    @TheCaseylaw 13 років тому

    My choral teacher adores whitacre and his music, to be honest everyone that hears his music does.

  • @TheVsmorgan
    @TheVsmorgan 12 років тому

    i cant wait to sing with Mr, Whitacre when he comes to my city :) i am incredibly xcited.

  • @mrsax13
    @mrsax13 14 років тому

    Ridicullous amount of controlled sound. Bravo. In my mind Whitacre and Ticheli are the only composers that have existed in the past 20 years.

  • @BlueMewSings3
    @BlueMewSings3 11 років тому

    Sublime. Incredibly beautiful. Thanks for posting this perfection.

  • @itrugater
    @itrugater 13 років тому

    how can you dislike a wonderful creation like this this is the ish!!

  • @CARETAKER89able
    @CARETAKER89able 11 років тому

    I nearly cried too.Can't wait to hear him in Melbourne next week!!

  • @allenrussell1947
    @allenrussell1947 6 років тому +1

    Eric Whitacre's talent is beyond words. I'd give anything to see and hear him conduct a live performance of Sleep.

  • @BizCasFri
    @BizCasFri 12 років тому

    That is such a beautiful concert hall. Minneapolis is such a great city.

  • @juicycoutureee
    @juicycoutureee 13 років тому

    Damn,this brought me to tears. It's just so beautiful.

  • @GenzaiDandy
    @GenzaiDandy 13 років тому

    This song really has one of the best climaxes i've ever heard.

  • @andyadams9174
    @andyadams9174 12 років тому

    I understand exactly what you mean!! Music really is the way to stay tuned-in with the great cosmic sound vibrating across the centuries, vibrating each moment throughout ourselves, forever and ever!!

  • @Malcolm255
    @Malcolm255 13 років тому

    This version of Eric Whitacre's SLEEP is, in my opinion, the best recorded instance of this beautiful piece of music along with the word by Anthony Silvestri. I am not a singer but I can imagine the joy that a person performing acapella in a choir might sense with this music.
    I made a music video recently using this particular recording. It is dedicated to my wife, Ann, who suffered a severe stroke on July 17, 2009. You can find this video on UA-cam by typing R Malcolm Brown Jr, then select it

  • @christianfinnerty7627
    @christianfinnerty7627 6 років тому +2

    Omg this song is so buetiful im an alto 1 and were singing this in my high School choir

  • @gabbiewitham
    @gabbiewitham 13 років тому +1

    i love that clash at 0.55
    inspired me, definitely.

  • @crome2194
    @crome2194 4 роки тому

    Such beauty, both in composition and performance. Musically inspiring.

  • @JamesKrudop
    @JamesKrudop 14 років тому

    What I would do, just to meet this man. His ear for composing knows no bounds.

  • @POLYPHONYOFMYHEART
    @POLYPHONYOFMYHEART 15 років тому

    Beautiful. Magical. Enchanting. Spiritual. Undeniably Eric =)

  • @oldriverfarm
    @oldriverfarm 13 років тому

    What fun it is to learn "sleep" along with this beautiful performance. I'm jacking up the stats a few notches.

  • @JaapHoek
    @JaapHoek 11 років тому

    I first 'met' this music as part of a dance performance of the Dutch NDT. Beautiful!

  • @leamelgar3324
    @leamelgar3324 6 років тому +2

    Still listening to this in 2018. This piece gets me EVERY time. Chilllllssss

  • @Nic7320
    @Nic7320 11 років тому

    Learning to appreciate that which you do not know, is the greatest gift one human can make to another human being.

  • @PeaceLoveHendrix
    @PeaceLoveHendrix 13 років тому

    the high school choir i'm in just preformed this song yesterday. while learning the piece, we had a difficult time with tuning so our choir director had us sing it in a room with absolutely no lights on. that definitely helped. it turned out great