A Boy and a Girl, Transcribed for String Orchestra (With Recording!)

July 4, 2008 at 6:39 pm UTC

For me, the string orchestra is a very, very close second to an a cappella chorus for sheer beauty, expression, and dynamic range. I LOVE writing for strings. I’m slowly beginning to transcribe many of my choral works for string orchestra, with the eventual goal of recording an entire album. (I’ve already transcribed Water Night and Lux Aurumque, and I’ll also post those once I get recordings).

Here then, is my most recent attempt, recorded by the excellent Brno Philharmonic Orchestra in the Czech Republic, conducted by Mikel Toms. I wasn’t at the recording, so it’s fascinating to hear how the music was interpreted by a conductor who had never heard the original choral version. Also kind of astonishing to me how much it sounds like film music in this context.

[audio http://ericwhitacre.com/wp-content/uploads/02-a-boy-and-a-girl-string-orchestra-final.mp3]

Recording streamed with kind permission of Music Sales Limited
Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, Mikel Toms conductor
Jonathan Allen Producer, John Boughtwood/Kate Johnson Executive Producers

And you can learn more about the original choral version at Chester/Novello’s excellent website.

http://www.kantorei.org Cathy Motter

Gorgeous. Moving. Even w/o the lyrics, the idea of the waves and foam can be felt. It tugs at my heart.

Thank you for the orchestration.
Happy 4th of July, Eric.
andy p

I almost wish the orchestra made it sound less breathless and more of a billowing sound, or more sustained at least. Of course that would be appropriate to the end of the piece. but it sounds brilliant! my favorite moment is at 2:02 :D
Tessy

I am very happy for you! I know how close strings are to your heart. It's interesting because I remember in the BBC Radio 3 interview saying how you love the cinema, and I can definately feel the influence here. I still got shivers from this piece, eventhough the textures were different…absolutely loved it!
http://www.angelfishy.net/ Andrew

I like it. This piece stays fresh no matter how many times I hear it. Hearing it through another timbre is a great experience. I love how the different characters of each instrument group shine through at different points in the piece. Stunning stuff!
Kate-Lynn

Love it. If it could be released as an actual single, I would buy it. I have the original choral piece and it's one of my personal favorites. It just flows and it's so beautiful. Thank you.
Jenn

This is really incredible. It is amazing that simply by changing the instruments with which it is performed, a peice can take on a whole new feel. It would be interesting to hear how it would be interpreted by a conductor who had heard the choral version as well.
Gina

I just don't think this works at all. The pauses between phrases are stagnant and the minor-second suspensions begin to grate after a while without the words present, which change the 'sound' of that specific interval.
Amber

Eric, your music is amazing. I love how this piece sounds with the orchestra. It has always been one of my favorites. Congratulations on this piece working so well.
http://allpoetry.com/CassandraMorley Ron Weasley

I'm a string player myself, and now that you've done this piece plus the other two I hope I get to play them one day :)

Thank you so much Mr. Whitacre!
http://www.thebachianchord.wordpress.com Justin Combs

Mr. Whitacre,

The string orchestration is a lovely new dream of this great choral piece. Before I read your entire posting, I thought to myself, "This sounds like great film music." And, lo and behold, I see that in your post. That's just awesome. :)

I, too, love to write for strings. Some of my best ideas have come from scrapped string quartets, and some of my "so-so" musical choral responses have turned into great string quartets. I love the timbre of the strings. It is truly the only set of instruments (outside of choir) that the ear never "tires" of hearing. It's just such a pleasant blend of sound.

Mr. Whitacre, what an amazing thing you've accomplished. You've drawn thousands upon thousands of people to music and to the choral art. For that, as a fellow musician, I can only say, "Thank you."

I was wondering if I could ask your advice on a few things (if you have time of course; I know you are quite busy) about composing and selecting text. If so, just let me know.

Thanks for all that you do; and do so well. I wish you continued success and musicality on the continuing journey of the aural art.

Musically,

Justin C.
http://myspace.com/bluflames007 Lindsie Hardy

damn, i love this. do you know how much i would love an entire album of the stringed versions of your works? i would DIE! strings are definitely the way to my heart. and you, my friend, have made it into my heart. i can see it as a film score too… for something maybe like Finding Nemo… very soothing like the ocean. anywho, keep up the AWESOME work. i love hearing all the new things you do.

and can i just say, i am really glad that my favorite composer is alive? Mozart and Chopin were great… but i won't be hearing any new releases form them. i'm SO excited that i live in the same era as my favorite :)

~Lindsie Hardy
Ben Tomlin

hmm, I'm not sure what to make of this. as said previously the silences do sound a little stagnant here, but that may be due to the lack of reverb on this recording. I also thought it needed more strings to be playing as i could hear a scratchiness in the top violin parts when they were playing low.

Maybe this would be fixed by playing the low violin parts on an alternate instrument such as the viola. Using the Violins for the high sections. I know this doesn't utilise the orchestra fully, but the raw sound of the low violins isn't usually a nice one.
Luke

yay! I have actually been waiting for you to transcribe this! :]
Samuel Hancock

Another stirring piece. Your goal of transcribing your works into string orchestra is exciting to me. I was first introduced to your works after singing 'With a Lilly in Your Hand' in a small choir. I purchased the BYU Singers recording of your complete a cappella works, and I have listened to it dozens and dozens of times. I am amazed at the depth of your music. I recently read about the creation of the song 'Sleep.' A part of me is glad you encountered your struggles in obtaining rights to Frost's poem, because I like Sleep more than Stopping by Woods. Thank you… for the music.
Arian Khaefi

Hello Eric,

This may not be the appropriate venue, but I wanted to thank you again for coming out to Malibu High School to work with my students! It was an experience they'll never forget, not to mention I have, I think, a clearer understanding of what you look for in performances of your music. Even though I'm leaving Malibu High, I look forward to being able to invite you to clinic again. Thank you again.

Arian Khaefi.
rickz1

thought this was absolutely fantastic, heard your interview on Radio 3, first time i have heard your music – inspiring – really love the version by Brno Philharmonic you have put up – do you know if they have done other pieces by you – would it be possible to get hold of them. Very moved. thank you. Rick
Marques

This was amazing! I let my family listen to it, and they agreed that it sounds like movie music. They were actually debating what genre of movie and what scene in which it could be. It was great (especially since they are not even in music). I love your music so much.
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Britain

Eric, I love this new version of "A Boy and A Girl". This is one of my most favorite songs, and the simple and delicate beauty of this arrangement is truly inspiring. Actually, I listened to it with your home website up in the background by accident, so I had the rain sound effects from your site blending in with the recording. It made for an interesting listening experience. Keep up the amazing work!
Beth

Wow. I can't even express how completely amazing you are Eric Whitacre! MY favorite piece of yours is "Sleep". I never got a chance to perform it, but i had a chance to sing through it a little bit. It almost seemed like an honor to sing something like that. It gets me all warm and fuzzy inside! :]
Nicole Schilling

This piece absolutely took my breath away. I am a pianist and I've been trying to transcribe some of your songs onto the piano. "Sleep" and "Lux Arumque" flow especially well. And then i heard this piece and i fell in love with your music all over again, but in a completely different type of trance. You are my favorite contemporary composer of all time- ever since i first sang "Lux" with Seattle Children's Chorus i have been hoplessly hooked on your music. Don't ever stop writing because you are incredibly talented and i cant wait to see what comes next!
Danny Bloom

I love the strings too. I'm surprised how similar the motion is to voices! The conductor was close to how you conducted it too… but it's always odd to hear the spots another person conducts differently.

I'm 17 years old and I have been composing music that isn't too bad. You have inspired me to continue it as a career as scary as it must be to make it happen. I wish I could get input from someone's opinion I would respect as much as yours but seeing how you probably won't even read this that sucks! Haha. Anyways, loved the new recording and I'm looking forward to hearing more from you!

P.S.- You must have been on a Danny Elfman phase while writing the beginning of The Seal Lullaby! haha

-Danny Bloom
godsdaughter

*STOKED!!*
This is so amazing!!! :D
I absolutely love this.
I thought you said you prefered choral music?
Why are you taking choral pieces and making them instrumental? I'm not complaining, just curious…
http://www.chrisdemetriou.com Chris Demetriou

Having listened to Polyphony sing "I thank You God for most this amazing day". I was just thinking an arrangement for string orchestra would work brilliantly. Hope you do arrange it as I'd love my orchestra to play it.
Bonnie

As I am at work, I sadly cannot listen to this piece. I just here because I was listening to Equus and wanted to share my joy. I can't decide if I like it, Godzilla or Ghost Train more. Choices. *sigh*

I will say listening to it while I work at a hotel is an amusing experience.
Jesse

Wonderful work.

While the unaccompanied chorus can be an absolutely stunning medium, I hope you'll come to see the string orchestra as an equally-if-not-more-beautiful medium, having even fewer limits. Pieces like Mahler's Adagietto come to mind. Great stuff, though.
http://www.myspace.com/directionunknownband John

Wow.
I dont know if you read these comments, or if you'll ever understand what these songs mean to every one of us, but I'd like to say thank you anyways. I sang A Boy and a Girl in chamber choir in my school, and have loved the song ever since. I want to write music like it (You can check out my listed website for a few songs i've written- piano only). Nothing compared to this, but I, and many others here, wish we could put as much beauty into music as you.

Thank you again.
hrunars

hi, was at the symposium, both at your workshop and then the four composers with Steen. Excited about your music, hadn't heard any of it before.

Being a composer, I really had to hold back in the latter, wanting to answer the questions, but of course I wasn't being asked :( As a matter of fact, I didn't say a single word. What was also with there only being male composers and moderator, there?

(I'm Þorkell's former student, though, and he did deserve to be there – as did all of you, of course)
Andrea

Gorgeous. Makes me think what I've been thinking all along…when will Eric Whitacre finally get around to scoring a major motion picture!!??? Seriously! it is overdue, man.
http://www.thecompletebs.blogspot.com Brandon

I must echo the comment before mine…wow. A Boy and a Girl was the second song of yours that I ever sang, and it will always remain one of my favorites. Part of the amazing ethereal beauty of your work is the incredible texts that you choose to accompany the notes on the page. Yet, this arrangement is proof that even without the words, your music holds up all on it's own. Honestly, this just makes me nostalgiac for the days of singing in a choir again. Anyways, I won't blab on, but kudos Eric, your music is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Matthew Gilpatrick

This is one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard, and rivals the Polyphony recording of the choral arrangement. I'm impressed (but not surprised) that you've made such a lovely piece from almost entirely add2 chords. Of course that presents a problem for us other composers in that it will indeed be a challenge to match such a work in both simplicity and beauty.
http://www.RandomActsofLiteracy.com Ann J

Of course, it's amazing… What else could we expect from the great Mr. Whitacre!? :)
I noticed you mentioned that you've transcribed "Lux" for an orchestra; I've got a symphonic recording of it that I admit I love just a little bit more than the choral version (there's some parts in the middle that seem to not be in the choral version? Or maybe it's just a bit different…). Anyways, I can't wait for the other transcriptions and recordings! (Not to mention Paradise Lost… :)
hrunars

gaah, I keep the page open to listen to the piece, is it available in the string arrangement at all?
hrunars

hmh, a question of reading the post, maybe…
http://www.voicesrising.org Robin

This is off topic, but I can't see another way to contact you via your blog…

Please, oh, please tell me that you, or someone, somewhere has scored Sleep for SSAA. Please!
Matt

Eric, let me just first say I'm certainly a fanatic of your music, and this summer at the Interlochen Arts Camp I sang 5 Hebrew Love Songs, and A boy and a girl. I'm glad you have tried the transcriptions for strings with your pieces…I have to agree, the strings can very much express like a choir in dynamics, timbre, and the way they blend. I don't know if you see these individual comments but i thought i'd ask, do you do composition workshops or classes at all? I'm at Lawrence University in Wisconsin but i would love to participate in something like that! well wonderful work as always Mr. Whitacre, I can't wait to hear the others. – Matt Roberts
Matt

I honestly just stumbled across this site, and because you share a name with a schoolmate and friend of mine I haven't seen since, oh, 1988, did a bit of reading to see what you were all about.

I find myself curious if you might not be the Eric I went to school with… as a frame of reference, for example, Rod Jones' 5th grade class, making clay armies, playing wiffleball with Allen, Mike, and the gang :)

If you're the Eric Whitacre I knew back a while ago, it would be great to chat, see who you've kept touch with, swap some stories briefly. I find it's always refreshing to catch up with kids I knew back when who are happy and healthy still today. All too rare these days, heaven knows why :/

In any case, since I'm a music nut, whether you're 'he' or not, I'll certainly educate myself with regards to your music. Perhaps I've found a new addition to my collection, if not an old friend.

All the best,

matt h.
Patrick

Mr. Whitacre,

I am a junior in highschool and an aspiring composer. There is a project at my school that the juniors are required to do in order to pass the 11th grade, and its called The American Artist project. the project requires a biography, and an emulation (in my case a music piece that is a choral peice with the lyrics pretaining of a poem written by someone) so, I was wondering if there was any biographical thing we could do through a series of emails or something, but only if your OK with it. I was hoping to do you instead of John Williams, only because I dont have the London Symphony Orchestra at my disposal. :]

please contact me when you can.

thanks,
Patrick
Heidi

I used to sing in the BYU choirs (years ago) and decided to take a trip down memory lane by listening to some of your music, and excitedly stumbled across your blog and myspace. I love what your transcriptions. But most importantly I have become obsessed with Paradise Lost and am dying for the music to become available.

The main reason I'm writing is because about 7 years ago, my husband and I (still dating at that time) interviewed you(on video) after a concert at BYU for a music class. Afterwards you invited us to attend a recording of BYU singers doing "Leonardo" in the Museum. 1) I just wanted to thank you for that experience, our shared appreciation for your type of music is one of the reasons we married each other, and 2) I was wondering if you were interested in a copy of the interview and ask permission to maybe post it on youtube or something. You say some fascinating things about how your music is created etc. We didn't want to post it without permission.
http://www.youtube.com/user/xoclkox Courtney K

Wow, I feel stupid because I haven't even seen this new blog yet…wow, I need to start going here more often. Haha

I love how the strings sound! It's very beautiful, and I DO agree about how it's almost as good an a'capella choir. I myself perfer a choir than strings but that's my opinion mainly because there's not that much dynamics in the 'Giving silence for silence' part which is my favorite part.
Either way, they're a both amazing and I really wish I had this track!

Thanks for the (not so new) news! :O)
http://www.myspace.com/vocalensemblejosh Joshua Himes

You're right!
If I ever make a movie, I'm going to request to use this piece.
Make it happen! Put it in a movie! (=
http://www.myspace.com/imspecial026 Joanna

A choir at my school sang this song last year and I was incredibly jealous. This piece though, is amazing. It gave me chills all over, the kind of music that makes you want to cry because it's so beautiful.
guido

Hi Eric. I have just discovered your music and have to say that I am extremely enamoured with your style. All those parallels and added note chords are in some ways very reminscent of Vaughan Williams, Finzi and American composers like Barber, Harrison, Burger, and others, except with the bittersweet quality turned up to 11(!) such that it's almost painful at times… I love that you walk this line between the very beautiful and pure and the completely overbearing and kitsch – it's something that I am very interested in myself and it's great that you are exploring this territory and don't care about what the critics say… I never agree with them and the choirs and the public obviously love your stuff and with good reason – it's just the most stunningly beautiful music. I'm sorry to say, that I really don't think that this string arrangement works – without the words the harmony sounds too simplistic, and it falls on the wrong side of the beauty/mawkish line; that said, I'm sure many people would love to perform it. But I think the words really add to the sincerity of your music, and the clean simplicity of the harmonic progression, (however many added notes there are in a chord!) just sounds a bit stilted and clicheed in the string orchestra setting – remember strings are capable of many things that the voice isn't and vice versa – though the expressive possibilities are similar, they are not the same. Anyway keep doing your thing, as you have said before (I'm paraphrasing) we learn by doing, and I also think the string orchestra is a fantastic medium to write for – this is an exciting development in your music I think! I am a cellist, so I eagerly await the date when you write your cello concerto for cello and strings!

Anyway, just thought I'd check in to say that this is great stuff you're doing and I greatly look forward to your future projects.
Elliott

Hey Eric–

I am a 15-year-old aspiring composer and your music is what has really inspired me. (I now have this habit of adding those suspended 2 and 4 chords to everything…even Christmas carols, which doesn't really work.)

Our school band played October and it was just… phenomenal. Being a violinist*, I played the flute part (transcribed an octave lower — those super high A-flats kill me!) and soon after, discovered your blog and choral music.

This arrangement is incredible. Even though there are no words in the orchestra version, the strings are able to communicate the underlying "feel" to the music. In this context, it kinda sounds like a hybrid between "Adagio for Strings" and "Haiku" from Finding Nemo (look it up on iTunes…it sounds so… Whitacre-esque :P)

*Yes, that's right. I play violin in the band. I can't wait for your Violin Concerto for Violin and Symphonic Band! ;-)
Teddy

If you're still awaiting a recording of Lux Aurumque for strings, I'm sure that if we got the music, some stringers from St. Olaf would be more than happy to record it when you're up in Minnesota working with the choir.
Justin

I love the string arrangements of these songs. They're so amazing!
I find the score for October for strings online, but there isn't any good recording of it available. I would absolutely love to hear October for strings.
Benjamin

I have always wanted your pieces to be transcribed for string orchestra, and was really excited to see some of your works here.

Does anyone watch Inside the Actors Studio? This recording is very similar to the opening of that program… at least the older opening. Am I alone here?

And Eric, please keep on with the string orchestrations. You are on to something here!!
Peter

Simply gorgeous. It's an incredible piece that works incredibly with strings.
http://twitter.com/zacky_h Zack

Beautiful, Mr. Whitacre. The dramatic pauses throughout the piece add great depth and opportunities for reflection. Thank you for creating such beautiful music.
Amanda

Mr. Eric Whitacre, you have done it again. Lovely, and truly a song I would listen to while taking my final breaths.

Thank you for this beautiful work.
Michael

Love this piece so much. Thank you for the beautiful music Mr. Whitacre.

Your music is one of those rare things that are absolutely perfect.

Is there an mp3 file of this somewhere that I can buy and obtain?
Lane

To anyone who will help a fellow musician
I am in both orchestra and choir. "Lux" is one of my favorite song by Mr. Whitacre, (and while "A boy and a Girl" is amazing transcribed to orchestra), I hope to find a transcribed orchestra recording for "Lux". I know Mr. Whitacre has transcribed it, but where I could find the recording would be absolutetly helpful!
Also, I enjoy "Sleep". I was wondering if he was considering that for strings as well.
Is there anyway you can contact Mr. Whitacre? (Besides Facebook :P) Such as Email?
Thank you all!
If you ever read this Mr. Whitacre, just wanted to say thanks for making such great music and continuing it :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2M4C6T4BPO9EJ/ Jean C.

Congrats, Mr Whitacre, for this is truly fine music, indeed. I agree with many of the comments about "A boy and a girl" (and other pieces—such as the amazing "Water night" which I liked very much) that it is an example of finely made vocal -and instrumental-musical canvas with melodies and harmonies that stick to your mind. Introspective and, yes, atmospheric in the way of efficient film music (as far as today's film music goes)… I think that this composer's abilities could do marvels in the sacred realm of music for films. After all, the inherent and unequivocally strong basic elements for making great music for the big screen are all there, intact. Perhaps has the world found a new well of creation possible in this oft-neglected field: Certainly, in the hands of Mr Whitacre, the world of film music (I use the expression in a large sense) might find some respite and a glimmer of hope that the future holds some more tricks and treasure troves in reserve.
Kenneth Parker

This is beautiful, both with strings, and the original A Capella version (from your link). The comments, regarding either strings, or voices got me wondering: Why not both? SATB + String Orchestra? (And there would be no reason sections of the piece couldn’t be A Capella).
Hillary

Is there anywhere I can buy and download this????

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