program notes by composition > C > Cloudburst
Cloudburst
Eric Whitacre
Cloudburst was inspired by a punishing thunderstorm the composer witnessed while on tour in nothern California. It starts with the sound of the approaching storm, growing closer until it erupts into a cloudburst.
Eric Whitacre (b. 1970) is one of the most popular and performed composers of his generation. He earned degrees at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas and Juilliard. He writes music that incorporates contemporary sounds and influences. He is known for his use of unconventional chord progressions and rhythms that often involve mixed, complex, and/or compound meters and unusual patterns. “Ghost Train”, “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas”, and “October” are among his works which have achieved success in the symphonic wind community. In 2010 he signed a long-term performing contract with Decca. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Grammy-award winning soprano Hila Plitmann and their son.
Last updated on July 16, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band
