I don't know if it is a spiritual, physiological or psychological phenomenon, but I believe now more than ever that singing is a universal, built-in mechanism designed to cultivate empathy and compassion. Eric Whitacre buildcompassioncultivate share on social
Since I first fell in love with choral music when I was 18 and began composing at 21, I've been listening to these recordings of British choirs. I just fell in love with that sound - that pure, clean, pristine sound - and I think it's probably been the biggest influence on my sound. Eric Whitacre beginbigbritish share on social
As a composer, I know that all sorts of sounds I hear are making their way into my brain and soul and later sneak into my music. Eric Whitacre braincomposerhear Change image and share on social
With vocal and choral music, first and foremost, it's the text. Not only do I need to serve the text, but the text - when I'm doing it right - acts as the perfect 'blueprint', and all the architecture is there. The poet has done the heavy lifting, so my job is to find the soul of the poem and then somehow translate that into music. Eric Whitacre actarchitectureblueprint share on social
I truly thought I was going to be in pop music. And then I joined a choir to meet girls, and everything changed in the first rehearsal. Eric Whitacre changechoirgirl Change image and share on social
In Las Vegas, the magnitude is impressive, but the humanity is gone. It feels like you're being intimidated out of your money instead of inviting you to come have this experience. Eric Whitacre experiencefelthumanity Change image and share on social
I happen to be one of the people who believe that the Internet is a force of good, and I'm very optimistic about it. Eric Whitacre forcegoodhappen Change image and share on social
For me, the virtual choir has taught me that, if anything, the Internet builds these post-national tribes, people finding each other anyway they can. Eric Whitacre buildchoirfind Change image and share on social
I write music that sounds complex but isn't. I frankly never think in terms of theory. Eric Whitacre complexfranklymusic Change image and share on social
I'm not a culture snob. So while, of course, I think the Mozart 'Requiem' or, say, Beethoven's 'Ninth' are some of the greatest works of art in the history of humankind, that's not to say the Beatles or Queen or Simon and Garfunkel aren't brilliant, beautiful, important works of art that should be sung without a sense of irony. Eric Whitacre artbeatlesbeautiful share on social