Composer

:

Eric Whitacre

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2002

Average_duration

:

4:13

"A Boy and a Girl" is a choral piece composed by Eric Whitacre in 1999. It was premiered by the Brigham Young University Singers in the same year. The piece is a setting of a poem by Octavio Paz, which describes the intimate moment shared between a boy and a girl as they whisper to each other. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is marked "Tenderly" and begins with a soft, gentle melody in the sopranos and altos. The tenors and basses enter with a simple, repeated phrase that provides a rhythmic foundation for the piece. The movement builds to a climax as the choir sings the words "they speak and do not speak" in a rich, full harmony. The second movement is marked "With motion" and features a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The choir sings the words "they touch each other" in a syncopated rhythm that creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The movement ends with a sudden, unexpected chord that leaves the listener hanging in anticipation. The final movement is marked "Gently flowing" and returns to the tender, intimate mood of the first movement. The choir sings the words "they are in love and do not know it" in a hushed, reverent tone. The piece ends with a soft, peaceful chord that fades away into silence. Overall, "A Boy and a Girl" is characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and sensitive treatment of the text. Whitacre's use of dissonance and unexpected chord progressions creates a sense of tension and release that mirrors the emotional journey of the poem. The piece is a testament to Whitacre's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a text through music.

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