"Sleep" by Eric Whitacre

Silence. There is so much to say about this piece, but it seems we can say the most without words. After listening to this, I feel that everything else has become more peaceful, more idyllic. Everything seems so still. I didn't know a song could have that affect on me. Listening to that song made me extremely happy. There's is truly something about it. I can hardly write coherently. There is energy in the silence. During the breaks of my typing I can feel it. It's a feeling I've never had before- the power of music has once again prevailed. I feel like everything has stood still, the world has halted its turning. Just give me a moment to take this all in...

Okay. Basically, Eric Whitacre is a modern-day Handel. Even further, he's better than all of the choral composers put together. His work is unprecedented, and he is in a different league than everyone else. Each of his songs is innovative, using unique chord structure and entrancing chord progression. Also, his songs often send off a message, either through the lyrics or through the sound of the music. For sleep, at the end of it I felt like I was sleeping even though I was wide awake. The song put a spell on me. The song pumped me up, but at the same time muted my surroundings. The song is therapeutic in a sense. After I listened to it, I felt so alive. Even now, after taking a few moments to let it sink in, I feel like anything can come my way and I'll face it with ultimate strength. This song is something else. I know I say that a lot, but usually a song does not affect me the way this song has. My day is better because I listened to it. I won't leave the computer and forget about this song. It will be with me for the whole day- if not the whole week. I feel blessed to have listened to such beauty.

So kudos to you Eric Whitacre! You have changed many people, including myself. I can't imagine how proud you must be to have written such beautiful music.