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Virtual Choir Project II: Lux Aurumque
Posted on July 13, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I’d like to take the virtual choir a step further, and see if we can really start to make some delicate, nuanced music together. Our goal this time will be to sing with unified dynamics, vowels, and cutoffs, and to use only a conductor and a piano reduction as our guide.
First, I’ll record a conductor track this week, with me conducting and a friend playing the reduction on the piano. I’ll also record a separate video where I’ll discuss the piece, and try to illustrate a few musical concepts that everyone should try to achieve while performing their individual parts.
Charles Anthony Silvestri will post a video talking about his translation of the text. He’ll also speak each of the words with pure, perfect Latin vowels.
Then, Scottie will make individual part videos, one side of the screen showing the sheet music for the part you’ve selected to sing (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) and one half of the screen with my conductor track.
If you’re interested in auditioning for the soprano solo, you’ll just post a video of the first eight measures of the piece, singing the solo in measures 5-8. We’ll choose our favorite and it will appear in the final video.
This will be the next step in the evolution of the group as we work toward the goal of premiering an original work (by yours truly) online. And this time, fellow choir geeks, NO EXCUSES. Get your webcams ready, get your nerve up, and POST YOUR PARTS before the deadline (which will probably be in September). Seriously, do you want to have to tell your grandkids that you could have been part of the coolest thing on earth (circa 2009) but that you just didn’t get around to it?
103 Comments
hilary on July 13, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Dude, you are bored. I'm gonna audition for the sop solo, except I'm gonna use crazy vibrato/wobble and you won't even know that your mind was just blown!
Welcome home, btw.
sander on July 13, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I have a choral work that I'd like to be sung virtually :D Anyway, waiting eagerly for the videos and sheets to begin singing.
Ian McDougal on July 13, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Me too (to both), but that would be unoriginal. *glares at Mr. Whitacre* Just kidding.
Amber Darlington on July 13, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Oh, I'm so excited for this. I've sang Lux Arumque before when I was in the Pennsylvania State Intercollegiate Choir, and it was simply mind blowing. I can't wait for everything to go down. :3
Oh, and I'll totally be auditioning for that soprano solo.
Kedria on July 13, 2009 at 3:08 pm
YAY!!! :) thats exciting :)
Elliott on July 13, 2009 at 3:16 pm
OK, I'm totally doing this. Bass II. Super low C# at the end? I'm ON it.
Matt W on July 13, 2009 at 3:26 pm
What's the word on the ossia in the bass part at the end? As written I suppose? Or whatever you choose to do?
Connor Lidell (from on July 13, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I would audition for the soprano solo… but you might find it screechy and annoying since I am a baritone!
HOWEVER, I am reading to sing!
Robbie Bennett on July 13, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I definitely wont miss this one!
Matthew on July 13, 2009 at 3:55 pm
this is amazing. I can't wait. Singing lux with you conducting was the most invigorating and exciting musical experience for me so this should be really fun! – Matt
Jody on July 13, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Bring it! So excited…
Vaughan on July 13, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Okay, I am definatly not chickening out this time. I'm already getting pumped!
Courtney Lea K. on July 13, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Oh my goodness! I am SO up for this! This is going to be awesome! I LOVE this piece SO much! I can't wait to start!
As for the Soprano Solo, COUNT ME IN!!! I want it more badly than anything else! I am more than happy and willing to try and make the cut, though I am not really confident about getting it. <:O)
Thanks for the update Eric Whitacre! You're the best!
ROCK ON! m/
Courtney Lea K. on July 13, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Oh my goodness! I am SO ready for this new project! I LOVE this piece SOOOO much! I am more than excited for this one!
As for the Soprano solo, COUNT ME IN!!! I want this more than anything else in the world and it would mean SO much if I got it! Though I'm not 100% confident about getting it, I will try!
Thanks for the update!
YOU ROCK! m/
uptonthoroughfare on July 13, 2009 at 5:09 pm
SOPRANO SOLO, READY GO.
Paula Dixon on July 13, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I am so very excited to sing "Lux Aurumque", I too sang it when I was in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Choir and am very excited to be singing it again. This should be amazing especially with so much more detail being put into the process =).
Paige on July 13, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Sounds great, can't wait for the vids!
Zach on July 13, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I can't wait!
Kurien on July 13, 2009 at 6:47 pm
oh ye.. am a bass-cum-tenor-ish. and i wanna audition for the sop solo
for comic relief guys! hehehe
Hadeel on July 13, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I am so excited for this song! Seriously, it's my favorite song of yours and even though I'm a high school student, I really want to learn more complex music…because it's annoying to be called a "high school choir kid". I'm more of an Alto, but I'll probably give the solo a shot. I can't lose anything if I try, right?
YAY FOR LATIN!
I am so EXCITED! DID I MENTION I'M EXCITED?
Sam on July 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Yes, definitely. Tenor I. Already know the part. I want to try to get my parents to do it this time, too. And some other friends.
Mark on July 13, 2009 at 7:39 pm
How do I get signed up for this? This is possibly one of the coolest things ever.
Taylor Holmwood on July 13, 2009 at 7:41 pm
oh my goodness — like, OH MY GOODNESS.
Lux Aurumque is MY FAVOURITE piece by you.. as EWVC the all-nighters found out :)
The Chamber Singers of my university (University of Victoria) sang it last year with a choir that's mostly UVic students, and I missed out because I wasn't in either ensemble. I get to sing it now, aaaah!!
OH MY GOODNESS. =D
This was so incredible the first time, I can't wait to do it again. I've recruited no less than 14 of my friends. =D
Ashley Jensen on July 13, 2009 at 8:06 pm
sounds like something I am interested in!! Im so there. I will be practicing the piece now.
Tessy on July 13, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Yes yes yes!!! And guess what? I got my webcam up and running correctly! FINALLY! So, count me in. I might sing the Soprano II part, since it's a bit more comfortable for my untrained voice. But I'm going to practice the Soprano solo as well, and if I get my confidence up, then you might have another auditioner. :)
But seriously, when the all night EWVC chat was going on, we got SO excited when Lux was mentioned. It's going to be EPIC times infinity! WHOO!
Zach S on July 13, 2009 at 10:09 pm
This is going to be amazing!
I'm excited to see how the quality will compare when we're all using the same conducting track, considering how the first one came out so good without it.
Lauren on July 14, 2009 at 1:12 am
This is starting to sound like a workshop or something ;)
Can't wait to get in on this one. I'll have to find a new webcam recording program this time around, though. The one I used last time blew up, blech.
Sean on July 14, 2009 at 2:01 am
This one is gonna get freaking huge… I can seriously estimate anywhere from 250 to over 400 singers for this (myself included). If the all-nighter for the last one seemed like a big deal, this one will probably take 36 hours or more to completely render.
Scottie, Eric, and now Tony: I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for dedicating your time and energy to such a revolutionary project.
Steven on July 14, 2009 at 3:34 am
This is grand! Lux is tied with Sleep on being the best EW song, so I'm in for another round. Promise to go and buy a proper mic for this one :) And count me in on the chat as well; your "all-nighter" is an "all-dayer" for me here in Sweden so no problem :)
Peter on July 14, 2009 at 4:57 am
Oh. My. Gosh…I'll DEFINITELY get this one done. Do we need an actual webcam of us singing, or can we just use a headphone mic? I do have a webcam, but just don't feel like setting it up right now.
Emily on July 14, 2009 at 7:30 am
Righto. I will involve myself in this one. Really. :) But I'm an orchestra geek, not a choir geek.
Matt on July 14, 2009 at 8:43 am
I believe the proper term for "vibrato/wobble" is "woblato." Just wanted to make the correction.
Tessy on July 14, 2009 at 9:48 am
@ Emily: I am a band geek (ish) recently converted to choirdom. So you're not alone. :)
@ Matt: LOL!! :D
Josh Brockbank on July 14, 2009 at 11:04 am
I'm SO very excited for this next round. I'm so happy you are taking on this challenge,because I'm SURE it will be a challenge to get this all together. It will be such a good experience, though. :) I'm SO excited!!!
Danny on July 14, 2009 at 11:58 am
Bah!!! im getting ready for this i can't wait!!! Tenor 2 part!!
Eoin on July 14, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Hooray!
Vicky on July 14, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I LOVE Lux Aurumque!! I HAVE TO DO THIS!! haha. (:
Elizabeth Fall on July 14, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Hello,
I know this is a little silly to be doing now. But I had no idea of this virtual choir until my friend from choir camp who is in it happened to post the link to SLEEP. I was moved to tears. Anyway I want to sing with you guys, please! I'm desperately trying to find out if and how I can get involved. Please let me know.
Liz
(Youtube ID: BlatantInvisibility)
greg on July 15, 2009 at 5:55 am
Eric,
This is incredible. I have missed the boat on the youtubolution, but I'm going to have to use this performance method to try to get some of my pieces sung. It would be great if there were a community site where composers could go to find performers. I vaguely recall a project like that somewhere.. I'll have to find it.
I'm so very much down for this.
Greg
Ann on July 15, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I'm in! I admire your music and would absolutely love to participate. How do I sign up?
Ann
Felicia Lopez on July 16, 2009 at 11:30 am
You have no idea how excited i am for this :)
Two questions though,
when do we submit the video for the Soprano Solo ?
and
is it possible you will supply us the sheet music before we start submitting videos, like you did on Sleep ?
ohmygoshhh, i can't wait !
Erin on July 16, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I am notttt missing this deadline, lol. =) exciteddd!
Davis on July 16, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I am in it this time. Tenor . . .
Minerva on July 18, 2009 at 3:54 pm
OMG, I'm so excited you're doing this one next! I, too, have performed this piece (twice, I believe), and I was lucky enough to have the soprano solo the second time. I didn't find out about the Sleep project until it was completed…I won't miss this one though! Thanks for doing another one!!
Melanie on July 18, 2009 at 11:10 pm
so… if i don't have a webcam… how can i get in on this!?
Charles C. on July 19, 2009 at 4:33 am
I am probably doing either Baritone or Tenor 2 for Lux. Bass 2 is FAR too low for me. That last C#, I cannot hit. At all.
Matthew H. on July 19, 2009 at 5:19 am
I will absolutely be a part of this! I'm singing Baritone or T2 as well.
Matt Roberts on July 19, 2009 at 10:29 am
hey Eric, I do plan on trying to get a recording of myself for this, but speaking of lux… i had a question regarding the community sing in minneapolis in march. I was a participant and it was the most amazing experience, and i have always wanted a recording us singing, and your assistant told me to ask you about it on here whether a recording was made or not. Thanks a lot – matt
Richard Shallbetter on July 19, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Hello, Mr. Whitacre
I was in the UK at the time the due date passed and every other waking moment was spent in preparation for that trip. I am DEFINITELY not missing this one.
Power to the Tenor I's!
Richard Shallbetter,
Blaine, MN
Louis Gramby on July 22, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Eric Sir,
I can not wait to begin working with you all on this project. I have done this song in concert so many times it's one of my fav.
Louis
Bass II
Waldorf, MD USA
TJ Casey on July 23, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I am so excited for this!
I was nervous about doing this but now I have a group of my friends doing it with me so I decided why not!
TENORS UNITE!
TJ Casey
Tenor
Chicago IL
kyle w on July 23, 2009 at 2:22 pm
okay. repeat of everyone else, but.
i'm doing this for sure this time!!
no excuses, no fear! bring it, lux aurumque!
:)
my choir did this piece last year so i'm super pumped to be singing it again!!
Anthony James on July 26, 2009 at 11:24 am
So I just watched the sleep video, and I was totally blown AWAY. I had no idea it would sound this good. I'm kicking myself for not paying attention to the note a friend of mine sent me. I'd really like to get involved, but I'm confused as to how. Is there some kind of newsletter? Do I need to sign up?
Anthony James,
Tenor I
Ian Gargantiel on July 28, 2009 at 12:02 am
I REALLY LOVED LISTENING TO THE VIDEO! I want to participate on the next one if you guys are making another one! Let me know if you'll do any other Whitacre pieces!
Ian Gargantiel
Bass/Baritone
Rebecca on August 1, 2009 at 8:17 am
I'm so glad they're doing another one. I watched the Sleep project and was so sad that I didn't know about it before! I'm totally going to rock AltoII!
elijahjohnson on August 1, 2009 at 8:45 am
Hey Eric, when are you going to put up the music for this? And if you already have, where can I find it? I'm really excited for this, so I want to start practicing! Nerdy, I know :)
John V on August 2, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I can't wait for this one! I've previously performed Sleep, Lux, and Cloudburst, but I missed the opportunity to submit a video for Sleep. I am definitely not missing out on Lux as it's such a beautiful piece and one of my Whitacre favorites. I'll be submitting Bass 2.
Tyler on August 4, 2009 at 7:23 am
this is going to be incredible. Lux is such a moving, inspirational piece. Can't wait!!
Sam on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 am
I can be either tenor or bass. Either one is fine with me. Can't wait to sing this piece.
Mary on August 6, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hi Eric :)
I actually just discovered your virtual choir project and I think it is absolutely AMAZING what you have done. :) I definitely want to take part in the next project in singing Lux Aurumque i'd be singing either alto I or II :).
I actually know your concert band pieces very well and I'm actually majoring in Music Education at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. My principal instrument is Clarinet :)
Anyway, I'm really excited to participate in this project and I only hope to conduct my own band/choir and to have them play/sing your pieces all the time. :)
Thank you for such an amazing opportunity!
Mike L on August 9, 2009 at 6:20 am
I just found out about this earlier this morning and I am unbelievably excited! I performed Lux Aurumque with my district chorus last year and it was the most amazing experience I've ever had. I will be watching this blog eagerly for a post of the conductor and piano reduction videos!
PS: Will the sheets be posted here? I seem to have misplaced my copy. XD
PPS: I sing Bass I and/or II.
B. Rickman on August 13, 2009 at 3:11 pm
How do you get the music? What do I have to do to participate? I am confused!!!
bjr
Sam on August 15, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Tenor 2 part please, if it's not too late.
Kate on August 16, 2009 at 11:38 am
Soprano 1 part please, if it's not too late.
(no solo)
C. Loughner on August 16, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Is this still happening? I can sing second soprano!!! I've sung this twice my my choral group (Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra) and love it!!
Elizabeth Fall on August 17, 2009 at 9:15 am
Soprano II part please. Are the videos even out yet?
David Zenchuk on August 17, 2009 at 10:24 am
Hey! I saw the Sleep one and really want to try this out. I'm normally a tenor 1 but I can sing T2 or Alto, whatever is needed more.
Elliott on August 17, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Sooo when are the videos out?
Annodamydal on August 22, 2009 at 7:30 pm
When's the deadline?
Soprano II
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I would like the words to the Lux Arumque – in Latin or English or both
Catherine Uffen on March 24, 2010 at 11:52 am
What do the words mean
Lux, Lux
Lux, Lux
Lux Lux
Calida
Calida
Gravis que
Gravis que
Gravis que
Pura
Pura velut aurum
canunt et canunt et canunt
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Jeffrey Brown on May 4, 2010 at 12:35 am
I haven't sung in a choir in 27 years. I never learned to read music, I always sang by ear. But I would add my voice to the growing list of people singing the praises of this wonderful music. Where can I purchase, download, or purchase a download, of this music, for my personal enjoyment?
Tom lowery on July 17, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I want to help and I am on the executive board for the MCDA and have studied at the Kodaly Institute. Let's make this a truly amazing experience for people evrywhere around the world. The MCDA summer convention meets this week.