Does anyone know about the analysis Eric Whitacre's music?

Question:I am trying to advance my knowledge of compositional music theory by studying the compositional techniques and qualities of music composed by Eric Whitacre

So in essance: How would one compose like Eric Whitacre?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am trying to advance my knowledge of compositional music theory by studying the compositional techniques and qualities of music composed by Eric Whitacre

So in essance: How would one compose like Eric Whitacre?

I haven't analyzed one of his pieces in quite a while, but his use of different harmonies are one of the biggest things in his composition. If I remember correctly, "Sleep" was more about harmony and texture than anything else.

I would approach it like a traditional analysis. Start with a formal analysis (basic structure), then harmonic (chordal progressions) and see where that takes you. Usually pieces start making sense after those two steps.

From there you can examine texture and density of part writing. Those are big in his works.

I can't say that I know a lot about the analysis of Eric Whitacre's music, but I can tell you that we have been using his pieces at high-school level choir festivals recently. Just from singing them I can tell you that he composes in a way that looks harder than it actually is; for example he uses a method in a lot of his works in which there are a certain number of notes in a box, and then a thick black arrow; depicting that you must carry out the notes in an untimely manner, randomly from the singers around you. He's a good composer when it comes down to it; but not one of my favorites I must admit.