Eric Whitacre's "The Sacred Veil" is a profound and deeply personal choral work that explores themes of life, love, and loss. Released on August 28, 2020, via Signum Records, this album is the world premiere recording of Whitacre's composition, conducted by the composer himself. The album features the Los Angeles Master Chorale, with Jeffrey Zeigler on cello and Lisa Edwards on piano, and is presented in a beautifully packaged digipak with a 43-page booklet of liner notes, biographies, and photographs.
"The Sacred Veil" is a series of poems that delve into Whitacre's relationship with his late wife Julie and her battle with ovarian cancer. The album is a poignant and intimate exploration of a family's search for solace and understanding in the face of profound loss. Each of the twelve tracks, along with an interview with Eric Whitacre and Charles Anthony Silvestri, offers a unique perspective on the human experience, making for a powerful and moving listening experience.
The album spans 1 hour and 19 minutes, with each track seamlessly flowing into the next, creating a cohesive and immersive journey. From the opening notes of "The Veil Opens" to the final strains of "Child of Wonder," Whitacre's composition is a testament to his gift for crafting music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Whether you're a longtime fan of Eric Whitacre's work or a newcomer to his music, "The Sacred Veil" is an album that will leave a lasting impression.