Eric Whitacre is one of the most prolific and recognized composers of choral music in the 21st century. If there is one piece that captures the heart and the mind is his “Lux Aurumque.” It just takes your spirit and puts you atop a mountain away from all your frustrations and the mundane things in your life that seem to bubble and be stressors. It deepens your soul as there is something beyond just this life’s existence. The harmonies of one key on top of another key are from another world. It has a really new-age feel to it that is such a fabulous and cleansing change to the world of music.
The piece goes from a crying C# minor to a series of transitions to its relative E major, back down almost chromatically to C# major, the parallel major. It is perhaps one of the strongest pieces on his “Light and Gold” CD.
I would classify this as music for the soul. Souls awake to this music for this is the reality of the future. It could definitely be placed in a movie. The piece’s very soul has a very futuristic vibe to it that can shed some light on what we will look forward to in the future. Beauty amongst tragedy—that is the phrase that I sense is in the essence of the music. If you are looking for great music that will speak to the depths of your soul, this would be it.
I have also checked out the band version for this work. It is not as effective for band players to play in the key of C-sharp minor, so it has been taken down a half step. The key relationship of C Minor and E-flat major is perfect for most instrument ranges in the band. Either version I have found is very moving and beautiful. No wonder why Whitacre is one of the most sought after composers of this current age.
