"Lux Aurumque" by Eric Whitacre Performed by the 2009 South Carolina Collegiate Honor Band Conducted by Gary Green The concert was January 24, 2009 at Winthrop University.
I remember my director told us to think of the hardest point in your life, when you felt like you were up against the ropes and had nothing more you could do, and put it into the music. That hurt, sadness, wanting for more, would be all you need to make those chords sing like angels. After performing this song for the last time together, we all had tears in our eyes, knowing that everyone around had been to that place before. Whoever you are, wherever you are, just know that you can do anything! You're much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Have a great day! And enjoy life while you can!
The tubas... I have so much, too much much respect for the tubas! I cannot imagine how difficult it is for the tubas to balance and blend without one sticking out!! Amazing! I love playing this piece back in my days.
Played this back in 11th grade for my all region band in Arkansas......I didn't score a very well chair--3rd clarinet part; but for this song literally every part is just as important as the next. The stage vibrated and the whole room was silent and there were people in the audience crying. It was awesome. I wish I could play this song once more.
There was a death in my family just yesterday I've constantly been listening to this song. It really hits me around 2:30. It's gorgeous and very emotional.
played this with the Manitoba Senior Honour band a couple years ago and we didnt play it this well but just listening to this song reminds me of playing it at the concert and how amazing it felt to be part of an ensemble playing this. Absolutely incredible
Anthony Wayne High School Symphonic band percussionist here and we warm up every practice with this and everyday a part of my dies and is reborn with the light of the music Gods.
my honor band played this last year. I am a french horn player and was so happy for once when I got the second part. That powerful section is just gold for the horn. I also played this last year for out all-region band. I also get tears when listening to this peace
i was in the 2009 louisiana allstate concert band (2nd chair tuba section) and we played this. and it brought tears to my eyes its just so beautiful. its like something takes u over. and u dont have to look at the music or conductor, u just close your eyes and u know you will be right there with everyone. ive never felt this way while playing my tuba.
When I performed Lux, 2:35 was the only time I ever cried playing a piece of music. There are other pieces that can get emotional, but Lux is the most magical song I've ever had the honor of performing. I'll never forget this song.
I played this piece with my highschool wind orchestra at the Bands of America National festival in march of this year. I absolutely can't express how emotional this piece is and how much of Eric Whitacre's own pesronal emotions went into this beautiful piece of music. It is deffinelty one of my favorites!(:
I played this with my HS Band for our Winter Concert last year. I'm a tuba player, and the tuba part at 2:35 is the only one I have played that moved me to the brink of tears every time we played it. Definitely one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, and by far one of my favorites.
I played this my Junior (or Senior?) year of high school. By far one of the greatest pieces ever written. You know it's powerful music when no matter how many times you listen, you still get goose bumps and become overwhelmed in the emotional power of the song. Phenomenal.
I have seen the comments in other video's stating that they were moved to tears and awe struck. Not once before has this happened to me. I was amazingly impressed when I listened to a professional recording of the choral piece. However, this forced me to sit still, feel the shivers and chills race along my spine. This was music in the fullest form. I am in awe of how amazing this piece is. Eric Whitacre has just passed Samuel Hazo as my favorite band Composer.
This piece cleanses and refreshes me every time I hear it. Props to the Honor Band, and deepest thanks to Eric Whitacre for sharing his imagination with the world.
I performed this at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, England, as part of the Cambridge Holiday Orchestra 2012. I was on the Clarinet 2 part, which my companions and I had only 4 days to learn. I have to say that anyone who plays this place needs considerable skill, as it's a HUGE mental challenge, despite the simple notes! So, I want to congratulate Gary Green and the 2009 South Carolina Collegiate Honor Band, for pulling it off. This is a perfect example of real musical skill. Thank you! :)
I played this piece under Gary Green a few years back and it was definitely my favorite on the concert. Never before had I seen anyone so passionate about a piece before this man, and he truly made it the most memorable song of my life. Every time I hear this I still get goose bumps. I like trumpetsrule15's description of it, very well thought out
This is probably one of the most beautiful chart I have ever performed. I remember playing this song for a competition once and started crying so hard that I couldn't keep playing. This song has left a mark on my heart. :)
Playing this right now in the advanced wind ensemble. Freshman clarinet player. It's so hard to tune and not rush. Such an emotional piece. Every time we play this, I'm moved. So beautiful.
I so agree. that rise is probably one of my favorite sections of a composition ever. I played this my senior year of All state and the experience changed my life. A month or two before that All-state, my director had a near death heart attack and he was at a strange peace with life that allowed him to direct this beautifully.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. I was in tenth grade when I played this and on third part, but in this piece every part is just as important as the other. An amazing piece-cannot be compared to another!
I played this in NM all-state and I remember the first time we got a real feel for the song, the room was so still and people had tears in their eyes. One of the most emotional pieces I've ever had the privilege of playing. Btw, the 3rd french horn part a the climax is BOMB!
My high school marching band is playing this song as our ballad this year and it never fails to bring a tear to my eye whenever we hit that giant crescendo around the 2:28 mark.
That was one of the best recordings of this song I have ever heard, even better than proffessional bands because the kids do it for music and not the money. phenominal!!
I LOVE THIS SNG SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! I PLAYED AT MY HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND IT SOUNDED SO GREAT AND WE GOT LIKE 5 MINUTE STANDING OVATION! I CRIED CAUSE THIS SO IS SO GREAT AND MAGICAL EXCEPT I WISH TRUMPETS PLAYED MORE BECAUSE THEY SOUND F**KING AMAZING!!
This Honors Band does a very good job at creating intensity within the phrases. If one has not listen to this in choral arrangement, listen the the Concordia College Concert Choir of Moorhead MN perform this piece. This is very well done for a collegiate band.
i love this song soo much! we played this for the First Band at ATU band camp. even though i was a percussionist, and sat there the whole time. i was glad i was able to just enjoy it, even though i'd liked to have played in the ensemble.
I played this piece for a District Band festival. Our guest conductor spent hours on this piece with us trying to perfect the chords, and he cried while conducting it during the concert. I didn't think I'd like this piece but it was wonderful when preformed!
I heard this piece when I was still in my school's lower level band. It became my favorite wind ensemble piece. Now on the second day of my first year in wind ensemble my director passed this out! I'm so excited!
By far the most beautiful piece ever written, in my opinion. So much emotion flowing throughout the entire piece. I can't wait to play this for a festival piece Friday. I can't bare but to almost cry during the intense moments.
The moment starting at 2:37 or so has stayed with me for 10 plus years. I ran up to our conductor and had to know who composed this song. Ethereal and stunning to the core.
this aging trumpet player uses Whitacre's music to do my Bible and AA readings when I pray and meditate. This side of heaven people, it isn't getting any better at all. This is an amazing rendition!
my marching band incorporated this song into the show last year and we made it to semi-finals in grand nationals for the first time! :D we played this as a preshow while the guard and pit were setting up and then the pit played the choral version as we were coming on and off the field :D
I was excited to play this piece back in 09. Such a challenging piece for the consistent high notes that are to be held by the top chair french horn. Somehow I managed to hit every note perfectly for our competitions. I miss my french horn days. Wish I could go back and regain my top chair status. Loved every moment I could play the french horn.
I have played this several times, and this is certainly one of the most beautiful pieces I know. Gives me chills every time. However, it's a very difficult piece...
this give me chills every time i hear it!!!!!! and this song relaxes me. well, all of Eric's music is so relaxing!!!!!!! it makes my day feel SO much better. it's like a better version of "You Had a Bad Day" by Daniel Powter
This is so beautiful and amazing... I saw high school students at Frank Sinatra School of the arts play this and I STARTED TO WEEP!!! It was so moving, like all my sorrows became sounds and floated away from my heart, absolutely cathartic
Beautiful piece! My honor band played it and it was a gorgeous moment in the concert. Personnally, I kind of liked it when we played it faster. But it's still one of my favorite pieces!
This IS beautifully played - no doubt about it. Whether it sounds best from a band or a choir is everyone's personal viewpoint. Does it matter? But there is something about these vibrations that go deep within our soul, and contact us in a way that leaves you in a beautiful place. The 'virtual choir' version is mesmerising, and I plan to use this to start meditations with a group that I belong to. The sounds and vibrations always lead me to a calm and very tranquil place. Try it, with eyes shut.
Highly recommend listening to this and works like this with a good set of headphones. Listening with the computer speakers just doesn't give the same emotion. Beautiful song.
My best guy friend Harold and I are in band and we play trombone. We used to play this song called Songs of Sailor and Sea and everytime we'd hear it we'd say we thought of a flying pirate ship. Today we played this song and I said "Harold look! There goes our flying pirate ship!" :)
This is by far the most beautiful and touching piece of music I have ever heard. Coming from a 6 year clarinet player I hope that says a lot. I just don't understand how a human being could have written something so beautiful it hurts. Eric Whitacre truly is a musical genius of the mind. That rise at 2:35-3:15 brings tears to my eyes even now. Incredible. I just have no words.
Eric writes all his own arrangements. So for those who think one version is "wrong" you are just plain ignorant. Its his piece and he'll do whatever the hell he wants to with it. Great job South Carolina. Beautiful recording.
I remember my director told us to think of the hardest point in your life, when you felt like you were up against the ropes and had nothing more you could do, and put it into the music. That hurt, sadness, wanting for more, would be all you need to make those chords sing like angels. After performing this song for the last time together, we all had tears in our eyes, knowing that everyone around had been to that place before. Whoever you are, wherever you are, just know that you can do anything! You're much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Have a great day! And enjoy life while you can!
KlassiK I’m playing this with my band in high school, and I’m gonna share this with them
I cry every time I listen to this piece. I am human. ❤
The tubas... I have so much, too much much respect for the tubas! I cannot imagine how difficult it is for the tubas to balance and blend without one sticking out!!
Amazing! I love playing this piece back in my days.
proud tuba player right here! loved doing this song, so calming every time we played it I always got/get goosebumps
Played this back in 11th grade for my all region band in Arkansas......I didn't score a very well chair--3rd clarinet part; but for this song literally every part is just as important as the next. The stage vibrated and the whole room was silent and there were people in the audience crying. It was awesome. I wish I could play this song once more.
Still my absolute favorite interpretation of this song!!!!!
My eyes water every time I listen to this song and the big hit plays 😂. It's so beautiful 😇
This is the best version of this song online. So happy I found it again
I played this song at a summer camp full of great young musicians...it brought tears to my eyes. This is why I'm in band
This song makes me cry. It strikes something so deep in me.
i don't remember hearing all this color when i played it in high school. wow, amazing job.
There was a death in my family just yesterday I've constantly been listening to this song. It really hits me around 2:30. It's gorgeous and very emotional.
played this with the Manitoba Senior Honour band a couple years ago and we didnt play it this well but just listening to this song reminds me of playing it at the concert and how amazing it felt to be part of an ensemble playing this. Absolutely incredible
Anthony Wayne High School Symphonic band percussionist here and we warm up every practice with this and everyday a part of my dies and is reborn with the light of the music Gods.
This song has everything. Triumph and power, stillness, conflict, movement. It's one of those pieces that is a true work of art.
my honor band played this last year. I am a french horn player and was so happy for once when I got the second part. That powerful section is just gold for the horn. I also played this last year for out all-region band. I also get tears when listening to this peace
i was in the 2009 louisiana allstate concert band (2nd chair tuba section) and we played this. and it brought tears to my eyes its just so beautiful. its like something takes u over. and u dont have to look at the music or conductor, u just close your eyes and u know you will be right there with everyone. ive never felt this way while playing my tuba.
When I performed Lux, 2:35 was the only time I ever cried playing a piece of music. There are other pieces that can get emotional, but Lux is the most magical song I've ever had the honor of performing. I'll never forget this song.
The 7 people that disliked this... there are so many things wrong with you... how could you not love an amazing piece of music like this...
Played this in my region this year in an all-region clinic :)
I played this piece with my highschool wind orchestra at the Bands of America National festival in march of this year. I absolutely can't express how emotional this piece is and how much of Eric Whitacre's own pesronal emotions went into this beautiful piece of music. It is deffinelty one of my favorites!(:
I played this with my HS Band for our Winter Concert last year. I'm a tuba player, and the tuba part at 2:35 is the only one I have played that moved me to the brink of tears every time we played it. Definitely one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, and by far one of my favorites.
I played this my Junior (or Senior?) year of high school. By far one of the greatest pieces ever written. You know it's powerful music when no matter how many times you listen, you still get goose bumps and become overwhelmed in the emotional power of the song. Phenomenal.
I feel so grateful to have played this piece of music in my high school concert band. Absolutely beautiful!!!
I didn't think this could live up to the greatness of choral music. But it did. Beautiful.
I have seen the comments in other video's stating that they were moved to tears and awe struck.
Not once before has this happened to me. I was amazingly impressed when I listened to a professional recording of the choral piece. However, this forced me to sit still, feel the shivers and chills race along my spine. This was music in the fullest form.
I am in awe of how amazing this piece is. Eric Whitacre has just passed Samuel Hazo as my favorite band Composer.
I had the damnest time remembering the name of this song and when I found it in my favorites already...
Perks to being a horn player: this song tbh
This song make me want to pursue my musical dreams
Yes yes yes. There is not light with out the horns in this piece. And Lux literally means light lol
This piece cleanses and refreshes me every time I hear it. Props to the Honor Band, and deepest thanks to Eric Whitacre for sharing his imagination with the world.
This song brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it. So beautiful.
I performed this at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, England, as part of the Cambridge Holiday Orchestra 2012. I was on the Clarinet 2 part, which my companions and I had only 4 days to learn. I have to say that anyone who plays this place needs considerable skill, as it's a HUGE mental challenge, despite the simple notes!
So, I want to congratulate Gary Green and the 2009 South Carolina Collegiate Honor Band, for pulling it off. This is a perfect example of real musical skill.
Thank you! :)
I played this piece under Gary Green a few years back and it was definitely my favorite on the concert. Never before had I seen anyone so passionate about a piece before this man, and he truly made it the most memorable song of my life. Every time I hear this I still get goose bumps. I like trumpetsrule15's description of it, very well thought out
This is probably one of the most beautiful chart I have ever performed. I remember playing this song for a competition once and started crying so hard that I couldn't keep playing. This song has left a mark on my heart. :)
CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS MAGNIFICENT SONG!!!!!
Oh my god!!! I played this last year at my high school... this was one of my favorite pieces we did
LOVE IT!!!!
clarinet
Playing this right now in the advanced wind ensemble. Freshman clarinet player. It's so hard to tune and not rush. Such an emotional piece. Every time we play this, I'm moved. So beautiful.
I so agree. that rise is probably one of my favorite sections of a composition ever. I played this my senior year of All state and the experience changed my life. A month or two before that All-state, my director had a near death heart attack and he was at a strange peace with life that allowed him to direct this beautifully.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. I was in tenth grade when I played this and on third part, but in this piece every part is just as important as the other. An amazing piece-cannot be compared to another!
This song makes me realize how little all my problems are... and how awesome and badass life can be
I played this in NM all-state and I remember the first time we got a real feel for the song, the room was so still and people had tears in their eyes. One of the most emotional pieces I've ever had the privilege of playing. Btw, the 3rd french horn part a the climax is BOMB!
I think this is the most beautiful song I have ever heard.
played this song during All-County Band 2013 and it sent chills up my back and my favorite part is when everyone comes in and it just sounds beautiful
My high school marching band is playing this song as our ballad this year and it never fails to bring a tear to my eye whenever we hit that giant crescendo around the 2:28 mark.
i love gary green he is one of the most amazing conductors i have gotten a chance to work with
ill always remember the afternoon we played this... :') it was just amazing
my highschool band teared up during our first sight reading of this for our spring concert, it's soooo beautiful!!!!
I have no idea how many times I have pressed replay! I love this piece!
That was one of the best recordings of this song I have ever heard, even better than proffessional bands because the kids do it for music and not the money. phenominal!!
I played it tonight. I had to stop myself from crying in front of the audience :) Amazing, unforgettable piece.
We played this at NE Senior districts in MA this year...it's probably now my favorite piece for wind ensemble. So beautiful.
I LOVE THIS SNG SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! I PLAYED AT MY HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND IT SOUNDED SO GREAT AND WE GOT LIKE 5 MINUTE STANDING OVATION! I CRIED CAUSE THIS SO IS SO GREAT AND MAGICAL EXCEPT I WISH TRUMPETS PLAYED MORE BECAUSE THEY SOUND F**KING AMAZING!!
This is playing at my funeral. This is absolutely mystical.
This Honors Band does a very good job at creating intensity within the phrases. If one has not listen to this in choral arrangement, listen the the Concordia College Concert Choir of Moorhead MN perform this piece. This is very well done for a collegiate band.
hey, i was in this group! didn't realize it had so many views...great! Wonderful clinic. Glad so many have enjoyed this!
i love this song soo much! we played this for the First Band at ATU band camp. even though i was a percussionist, and sat there the whole time. i was glad i was able to just enjoy it, even though i'd liked to have played in the ensemble.
I played this piece for a District Band festival. Our guest conductor spent hours on this piece with us trying to perfect the chords, and he cried while conducting it during the concert. I didn't think I'd like this piece but it was wonderful when preformed!
I heard this piece when I was still in my school's lower level band. It became my favorite wind ensemble piece. Now on the second day of my first year in wind ensemble my director passed this out! I'm so excited!
man, this song gives me the chills... it is so amazing.
I listen to this all the time, its my therapy
3:26 - The most beautiful chord ever heard... And Whitacre's typical combination. Thus rendering Whitacre's typicals the most beautiful ones.
By far the most beautiful piece ever written, in my opinion. So much emotion flowing throughout the entire piece. I can't wait to play this for a festival piece Friday. I can't bare but to almost cry during the intense moments.
The moment starting at 2:37 or so has stayed with me for 10 plus years. I ran up to our conductor and had to know who composed this song. Ethereal and stunning to the core.
this aging trumpet player uses Whitacre's music to do my Bible and AA readings when I pray and meditate. This side of heaven people, it isn't getting any better at all. This is an amazing rendition!
my marching band incorporated this song into the show last year and we made it to semi-finals in grand nationals for the first time! :D
we played this as a preshow while the guard and pit were setting up and then the pit played the choral version as we were coming on and off the field :D
Fourth flute was the best part I've ever played!!!!! :D Low notes are my favorite!
Played this in marching band last year. This was movement 2 of our show titled, "The Edge Of Tranquility."
Played this on French Horn in high school. One piece I will NEVER forget.
This was a fun piece to play. It gave me chills everytime we played it
Just played this for the first time in my band and it moved me :')
I was excited to play this piece back in 09. Such a challenging piece for the consistent high notes that are to be held by the top chair french horn. Somehow I managed to hit every note perfectly for our competitions. I miss my french horn days. Wish I could go back and regain my top chair status. Loved every moment I could play the french horn.
This song is a powerhouse of emotion
my school is playing this, and i now appreciate it more(:
Eric Whittaker blows my mind away. Simply astounding.
Thank you for posting, this is a very powerful performance.
I have played this several times. Very difficult music to play. I love it!
I have played this several times, and this is certainly one of the most beautiful pieces I know. Gives me chills every time.
However, it's a very difficult piece...
We played this for our band concert and nearly made the audience cry. Such a beautiful piece.
7 people don't know what beautiful music is.
this give me chills every time i hear it!!!!!!
and this song relaxes me. well, all of Eric's music is so relaxing!!!!!!! it makes my day feel SO much better. it's like a better version of "You Had a Bad Day" by Daniel Powter
This is so beautiful and amazing... I saw high school students at Frank Sinatra School of the arts play this and I STARTED TO WEEP!!! It was so moving, like all my sorrows became sounds and floated away from my heart, absolutely cathartic
Beautiful piece! My honor band played it and it was a gorgeous moment in the concert. Personnally, I kind of liked it when we played it faster. But it's still one of my favorite pieces!
Eric Whitacre = GENIUS!!!!!!
love playing these songs on here for my nephews to help put them to sleep.
This IS beautifully played - no doubt about it. Whether it sounds best from a band or a choir is everyone's personal viewpoint. Does it matter? But there is something about these vibrations that go deep within our soul, and contact us in a way that leaves you in a beautiful place. The 'virtual choir' version is mesmerising, and I plan to use this to start meditations with a group that I belong to. The sounds and vibrations always lead me to a calm and very tranquil place. Try it, with eyes shut.
I played this last year under the direction of Gary Green as well. He was so expressive during this piece.
That's very moving. I love how music can affect us and change us in an empowering way.
Highly recommend listening to this and works like this with a good set of headphones. Listening with the computer speakers just doesn't give the same emotion. Beautiful song.
my bands playing this for festival and i absolutly love it
This song was fun to play my freshman year in the marching band
ahhh i cant wait to play this in london. i want to make the audience cry from the beauty of this peice. :]
My best guy friend Harold and I are in band and we play trombone. We used to play this song called Songs of Sailor and Sea and everytime we'd hear it we'd say we thought of a flying pirate ship. Today we played this song and I said "Harold look! There goes our flying pirate ship!" :)
Oh my gosh, that's exactly what my friend Katie said when we were listening to it in band today!
Played this in the 2011 BOA Summer Symposium Oklahoma band; first Euphonium. I loved this piece, it's gorgeous :)
We played this my Freshman year (Last Year) and made straight ones at contest, it was awesome...Wooo go RFHS!!!! (Rockport TX)
I'm playing this with the wind ensemble at my school and it sounds wonderful to play it live.
I just finished playing this at our freshman region concert. I absolutely love it.
wow, amazing... those clarinets sure held on to that note for a long time at the end
This is by far the most beautiful and touching piece of music I have ever heard. Coming from a 6 year clarinet player I hope that says a lot. I just don't understand how a human being could have written something so beautiful it hurts. Eric Whitacre truly is a musical genius of the mind. That rise at 2:35-3:15 brings tears to my eyes even now. Incredible. I just have no words.
trumpet entrances are always hard to hit perfectly with this song ;-)
Still gives me chills
The Rockport-Fulton High School band which I'm in, is going to play this for UIL this year and I love this song, it's extremely beautiful.
Eric writes all his own arrangements. So for those who think one version is "wrong" you are just plain ignorant. Its his piece and he'll do whatever the hell he wants to with it.
Great job South Carolina. Beautiful recording.