Eric Whitacre - Water Night - Marimba Duet

Water Night by Eric Whitacre - Originally composed for SATB choir - Arranged for marimba duet by Miles Locke.

About Water Night:

After being told he would be held back a year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and that he would not be able to attend the Julliard School where he had just been accepted, Eric Whitacre packed his things and headed home without finishing his undergraduate degree. The following is from Eric Whitacre describing the events afterward that lead to the composition of Water Night:

"In January of 1995 I spent the day with Dr. Bruce Mayhall, and in one amazing four hour conversation he basically convinced me to stay in school, finish my degree, and continue my life as a professional artist. Heavy stuff. I wanted so much to show my appreciation to him, to write him a piece worthy of his wisdom and understanding. I got home, opened up my book of Octavio Paz poetry, and started reading.

I can't really describe what happened. The music sounded in the air as I read the poem, as if it were a part of the poetry. I just started taking dictation as fast as I could, and the thing was basically finished in about 45 minutes. I have never experienced anything like it, before or since, and with my limited vocabulary I can only describe it as a pure and perfect and simple gift. It has become one of my most popular pieces, and I've heard countless people who sing it or hear it describing the same feeling I had when I wrote it down. I remain eternally grateful for this gift."