Choral composer Eric Whitacre expresses desire to collaborate with rap artist Kendrick Lamar
Eric Whitacre: A Contemporary Classical Master with an 80s Pop Soul
Eric Whitacre, a renowned contemporary classical composer, is known for his deeply emotional compositions that resonate with listeners worldwide. His music, often described as evoking shivers, tears, and goosebumps, is a testament to his unique composing style.
Whitacre's personal music taste leans towards 80s pop, with Depeche Mode being a frequent choice, and ambient music for a sense of peace and calm. This eclectic mix of musical influences is reflected in his composing process, which involves writing down adjectives to capture the desired emotions before he begins to compose.
The composer, who is often referred to as a "method composer" by his friends, believes in embodying the feelings of the piece he is writing. This emotional connection to his work is evident in the profound impact his music has on listeners.
Whitacre's remarkable recording relationships include ensembles such as Voces8 and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. His popular choral works, like 'Sleep' and 'Lux Aurumque', have been listened to by hundreds of thousands of people every month.
Before finding success as a composer, Whitacre dabbled in the pop world. At 16 years old, he recorded a 1986 synth track and later played synthesizer in a techno-pop band. However, it is his choral music that has earned him international acclaim.
Looking forward, Whitacre dreams of working with a diverse range of artists, from Radiohead and the Beatles to Stevie Wonder. If given the choice, he would love to work with Kendrick Lamar. Despite his success in the classical world, Whitacre finds it difficult to separate himself from the notes on the page during the composing process, viewing it as a single living organism.
In active listening, Whitacre's music choices are different from the classical music he composes. He often turns to 80s pop and ambient music for a sense of peace and calm, possibly due to the hectic nature of the world or his responsibilities as a parent.
As hundreds of thousands of people continue to listen to Whitacre's music every month, it is clear that his unique blend of emotional depth and eclectic influences has struck a chord with audiences around the globe.
