The Sacred Veil was commissioned by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and co-commissioned by Monash Academy of Performing Arts MLIVE and NTR ZaterdagMatinee for Netherlands Radio Choir.
Composition History
The Sacred Veil was inspired by the death of Julia Lawrence Silvestri, wife of poet Charles Anthony Silvestri, who died from ovarian cancer at age 36.
Compositional Technique
Julia Lawrence Silvestri's theme in the work is based on three notes starting on middle C, up a third to E flat, then back down to C.
Compositional Technique
In The Sacred Veil, the 'veil' is represented by a middle C, and moments or entire movements 'cross' the veil, often by a third.
Composer Biography
Eric Whitacre, a Grammy® Award-winning composer and conductor, is Artist in Residence with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Eric Whitacre used the repetition of texts and phrases three times to meditate on an idea and create a sense of stasis in the music.
Recording & Production
The recording of The Sacred Veil took place at the Musco Center for the Arts in California on January 13 & 14, 2020.
You might also enjoy...
Music of the Spheres (Live)
Young Composers Scheme, Vol. 2
In Your Dreams
Artist Profile Series - Summerly, Jeremy
Dove: The Passing of the Year
Seek Him That Maketh The Seven Stars
Rivers: John Barber
Choirbook
Beat Furrer: Enigma (Excerpts)
Fincham: Ring the Bells
Richard Pantcheff: African-Caribbean Elegy, Op. 70
