Eric Whitacres sleep Lyrics by Robert Frost

[SnowmanProphet]

It's a great song either way, but it's SO much better with the original lyrics. The Silvestri words, while impressive in that they fit Whitacre's composition, ultimately read and sound like placeholders, and if you remove them from the song, they're a mediocre poem, at best, at least by any objective literary metrics. The Frost, on the other hand, is a truly beautiful, practically divine, piece of writing, and the power of its words only serve to heighten Whitacre's composition.

[ginired666]

AMAZING ALL OT IT!!!! PURE JOY FOR THE SOUL!!!

[OnlyALitteLost]

It's so weird hearing the melody from Sleep with the original lyrics. I hate that this had to be lost because of a legal battle... but Sleep is beautiful, and I think the words flow better with the melody with the Silvestri.

[djmordigal]

Eric Whitare is a genius. His legacy is probably going to last for a long, long time.

[SuDokuMaster]

I would love this so much better if you could actually understand what they were saying. If I didn't already know the poem, I'd be so confused. Eric Whitacre is bomb, though. I sang the Silvestri version in high school

[andyyoungification1]

I so glad that he had to change the lyrics to Sleep because I feel they fit much better than Frost's poem!

[LuthienMoonLight]

Maybe most of us are biased because we've all heard the Silvestri version first - but in all honesty, the syllabic composition of Silvestri's text does sound with Whitacre's writing.

[destaniofhearts]

I was going to pick which version of the song I like better... but I realized that the music and lyrics match each version with equal beauty.

[YoJoe456]

Just out of curiosity, which choir is this? They're VERY good.

[jwhcomposer]

After listening tothis song with it's original text, I truly believe that Silvestri's text fits better (in terms of context), and Eric's text-painting for "Sleep" is stronger and more powerful than "Stopping by Woods"...

[JakeyBoii16]

@jwhcomposer For this day and age, I agree completely. However, both versions paint such an evocative, beautiful picture of life and death. Frost being able to do that proves he was well ahead of his time, and Silversti elaborating on that theme shows he is a true genius. Erics composition brings everything to life though, definitely. #AmazingBeyondWords

[theJazz6bass]

Im actually glad that the Frost poem wasn't allowed. I think the new Sleep lyrics are much more fitting to the the music.

[OforOboe]

Well said, enilegnave21. Bravo to your words, all the way.

[amberjohnston1989]

The Lyrics aren't by Frost. It was supposed to be based on a poem by Frost but they couldn't get the rights to it so he had someone write some more lyrics.

[cjth33]

@amberjohnston1989 no, this *is* the illicit original version, a setting of Frost's "Stopping by woods..." After this version was first performed Whitacre tried to get it published, but Frost's estate blocked it. It was then that Whitacre asked Silvestri to write alternative words, the "Sleep" poem that most people now associate with this music.

[cjth33]

@amberjohnston1989 no, this *is* the illicit original version, a setting of Frost's "Stopping by woods..." After this version was first performed Whitacre tried to get it published, but Frost's estate blocked it. It was then that Whitacre asked Silvestri to write alternative words, the "Sleep" poem that most people now associate with this music.

[composer4u]

I can't believe I found this. Thank you for making my life!!!!

[bulgarianmimi]

The Frost Estate MISSED OUT!!!!!!

[takigan]

I love the ending more with Frost's lyrics ("Miles to go before I sleep" etc.).....but Silvestri's lyrics sound gentler and more exquisite in the beginning (I love the way "A silver thread on darkened dune" is articulated by various choirs. With the 'S' in 'silver' nice and stretched out and then the giant "thud" from the basses landing on 'Dune').

[geoh7777]

The heirs/estate are tired of people ripping off the Frost poems set to unworthy music by unworthy groups. (Imagine, if you will and for instance, some death metal band using the lyrics in one of their "songs.")

[enilegnave21]

In my mind, the Frost heirs did a disservice to Robert, his poem, to Eric, his score, and to the world for robbing us all, in essence, of this most glowing masterpiece. The music gave this poem new life and I do believe that somewhere in the winter ground, Robert Frost is turning in his grave. Although Sleep is rendered equally lovely, it is so, due to the music.

[enilegnave21]

In a world aready quite ravaged by discord, it is a travesty that this moving melody, with it's haunting harmonies, tailor-made for these words, is not allowed to co-exist with it. Must we also fight now about beauty?

I mourned the lost by singing Frost's words as Sleep was sung. But I've found this treasure and rest knowing that a shadow of justice prevails and the world was not fully robbed of this heartstopping and most breathtaking feeling of simplicty and peace.

[bradbro09]

What really upsets me is that my choir actually did a setting of this poem and I'm pretty sure there was no issue with it.

[mpjmt]

I love both versions a lot, but I like "Sleep" better because the lyrics seem to describe death as more peaceful and beautiful. Many people interpret "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" as a man contemplating suicide.

[chadortom]

frankly i think SLEEP is way better. no offence to the chior, just the worlds are so much more... idk i just like Sleep way more

[TheChickeneers]

@chadortom The words are so much more what? It talks about laying your head down on your pillow and going to sleep. I do that junk every night. This Frost poem has so much more depth. "The darkest evening of the year", "I have miles to go before I sleep".. are you serious? How can this version not blow your mind. It's a crime against the art of music that the Frost's heirs were so shortsided and didn't allow this to be published.

[kevinm4435]

i can imagine frost having a similar relationship with whitacre as contemporary american poet charles antony silvestri if the former of the three were alive today.

[AngelicAznKnight367]

man...this sounds amazing D: although these lyrics weren't used, I think "Sleep" was amazing too XD my choir sang it last year :]

[columbaomega]

This is amazing. I've never heard this verson. It even sounds forbidden and a bit more harsh than Whitacre's rewritten lyrics. Either way, they're gorgeous.

[wh1telightning19]

What are the chances of you emailing this sound file to me? :)

[ryguy000]

The Sleep I know and love is great, but it's a shame this couldn't have been used.

[ashhleyysayysx333]

i think its pretty.. but it sounds a lot different then a lot of the other videos ive heard. i cant even hear the sopranos!!

[BIOxx14]

this is so perfect... its like he wrote the song to this poem as well as sleep. it makes so much sense against the dissonant choral music. it greatly shows the conflict between life and death.

[bachfreaky]

It´s som nice harmonies, but thats all, it has absolutley nothing with the lyrics from Frost to do, it´s poorly written and it fits the words very badly, not even the new lyrics manage to do the rythm of the sentences justice.

Just sing the hymn on vowles, and ofcource use the "sleep" at the end....

[deadly990]

@bachfreaky the harmonies were written after eric whitacre thought that the copy right on this poem had run out. he wrote this song to FIT these words.

[Embrodak]

While this particular recording is not quite good enough to do the song justice, it confirms my suspicions that the already great "Sleep" is truly transcendent art when given its original setting.

[hopecharityfaith]

Robert Frost's poem is truly a study of life that moves me. I think the music fits it perfectly. I really don't like the Sleep lyrics, though. Totally changed the feeling of the music, I thought. Absalom is my favorite piece of Whitacre's aside from this.

[dannerzme]

can't you get sued by posting this?

btw i love both versions :D

[deadly990]

@dannerzme no. i dont believe he can any more than putting up a video of yourself reading this poem. eric whitacre could have been sued because he was trying to Sell the peice of music.

[dannerzme]

@deadly990 Oh.

[hornmadden]

While I'm sure that this has been mentioned before, it's worth mentioning again.

The original title of this piece was"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." This is the original composition.  The song was rewritten when Frost's estate sued Mr. Whitacre for copy write infringement, thus a beautiful choir piece was lost. Fortunately the song was saved by the rewriting of the lyrics into the just as beautiful piece "Sleep."

Moral: Never assume rights. Being sued may cost you more than money.

[nikoru8407]

I live the silvestri version with Whitacre, but the Concordia Choir version (which this is) rocks. They actually have a website with all of their music, I just found it after looking for this for yearsssss......

[Bbobe900000]

So I'm wondering were these changes in the composition or just mistakes? Maybe someone who either was in it or has the original music knows?

0:43, 1:31 Tenors

3:16, 3:26, 3:35 2nd sopranos

Both Frost's and Silvestri's settings are equally beautiful. But depending how you look at Frost's poem, his setting makes for a much more emotional song, in my opinion. And of course, emotion is the essence of music.

[Fjola09]

It must be a change in the composition, even if it sounds a bit strange... In my music (I don't know if it's the original) the 2nd sopranos sing a third at 3:26. I don't know what's right...

[bull912000]

@Bbobe900000

couldn't agree more...

[rivershade24]

I agree. WOW. This is amazing. I sung this song in my choir, with the Sleep lyrics of course and i fell in love with it, but to hear the original lyrics being sung is really something else. Thankyou Eric Whitacre

[patriot4184]

WOW!  What a PRIVILEGE it is hear the original song of Sleep. Very awe admiring.

[janus70]

I think the Frost lyrics sound good, but Silvestri's are accidentally brilliant. Frost tells a definite story that just doesn't fit the haunting quality of the song. Silvestri's were written about watching his son fall asleep, and became a beautiful tribute to the end of a life, "as I surrender unto sleep."

[isaac4266]

You do realize that the piece was originally written to Frost's lyrics, but due to copyright issues, Whitacre had to change them. He asked Silvestri to write the poem to fit the song. No accidents.

[janus70]

I do. But according to their interview, Whitacre asked Silvestri to match Frost's phrasing before he had much a chance to hear the piece. On his blog, Silvestri said he cried the first time he heard it performed.

[notliketoast]

@isaac4266, by accidentally I think janus means that the words were, unintentionally, more fitting than Robert Frost's. Maybe it's just an opinion, but I think the song is better characterized by Silvetri's poem.

[whitacrefreeman]

can someone post the poem on here. the words.

[xpersonx]

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

[xpersonx]

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

[kenealios]

I think it totally sucks that the whole copyright battle went down with this piece. It is an amazing arrangement and really does the poem justice. Why the Robert Frost estate would have denied this beautiful work the right to exist is beyond me.

[isaac4266]

I am a new college student who has played the band arrangement twice, and analyzed the poem in high school. I immediately saw the connection, and was disappointed by the new lyrics. This recording brings out the full musical meaning originally intended by Whitacre. When band members ask to hear the choral version, this is the video I give them. Thank you!

[music0makes0me0smile]

Stunning....truly one of a kind and an obvious gem, regardless if Frost or Silvestri wrote the lyrics. Both are masterpieces of a higher level than we normaly see. Congrats to Eric Whitacre for sheer brilliance.

[bull912000]

How in the world did you get your hands on this?

[bradbro09]

although i must admit i find the current setting more cohesivie with the musical activity, its always great to see or hear an artists original unedited vision of a masterpiece and this is stunnning! im SO glad to have found this! how rare and beautiful

[icanbevelma]

I was in the choir that sang on this recording. It was released on one limited-edition CD that we handed out on tour that year, but never sold again due to the copyright situation. Luckily, I snagged one of those CDs and will treasure this recording.

[NicTacks]

The Concordia Choir is incredible. Eric Whitacre is Incredible.

[steelvenom2003]

So I love the Silvestri poem and everything. It's touching and meaningful.

But this. This is achingly beautiful. This is utterly moving.

I plan to listen to this on a cold, silent winter night this December.

[ibitemytongue]

I had always wanted to hear this in the original setting! thank you for sharing!

[VanSensei]

This sounds better with the original. Stupid copyright.

[karynchaotic]

so so beautiful with the frost text, but i think the section with "he gives his harness bells a shake" works much better with "if there are noises in the night". but some parts of this are just written so intuitively and beautifully with frost's poem that it's hard to pick a favorite "version".

[christoperfect]

Ugh! I'm so pissed at the Frost heirs for not allowing this to be published! I mean, did they even LISTEN to it? It's the most perfect representation of the poem imaginable! What asses! Grrrr.... And after he'd used his God-given gift to create it with such fire behind it! It's nauseating.

What gorgeous music and poetry!

[dumbhousewife]

Perhaps in time the Frost heirs will loosen their pride. I agree with you christoperfect. This is such perfection.

[bldbar118]

Just wait till the copyright on his works run out in a couple decades...then they can publish it with the Frost text.

[VanSensei]

Um...he'll be dead by the time the copyright expires in 2053 (70 years to the death of Robert Frost)

[Jadorechanter13]

It's 2038 is when he can use it

[enilegnave21]

@bldbar118

The copyright expires 2038, but Eric has said that even then... in fact, never, would he use the poem.

It is sad that the piece and it's artistic genius were subjected to the whims of bitter lawyers and equally bitter heirs. This is the musical embodiment of Frost's poem and it's a shame that its rare beauty was robbed of its being, as much as it is magical coincidence that Silvestri's poem matches the tone and mood so well. We're blessed to have both!

[enilegnave21]

I am also looking forward excitedly to hearing the Virtual Choir debut Sleep here on April 7th.

It marks the 1.5 year anniversary of my composer brother's passing into sleep and for me is a sort of commemoration of what would've been his 48th birthday on April 3.

Sleep well, hermano mio.

[JakeyBoii16]

The meaning behind this poem literally moves me to tears...

This is true beauty, this is what life is all about...

Something so simple yet so complicated that just moves you on the inside.

It's art like this that makes life worth living.

[thefumexxl]

My choir director, Terry Hicks from Bentonville Arkansas, got to see Concordia premier this at the ACDA convention in Austin in 01 and now we, Bentonville high school A Capella SATB, are singing it with the original lyrics. its already turning out amazing, i love Concordia singing this though its amazing. mad props to Rene Clausen

[Aeoura]

technically thats illegal... im trying to convince my choir director to let us do this with the original lyrics but hes not going for it!

[quinnhere]

It's amazing to hear the song how it was originally intended, but I have to say that after listening to anthony silvestri explain his lyrics, I like his better...I think they just give the song more meaning

[photoeditingchicken]

Is there a video of Silvestri explaining his lyrics on YouTube? If there isn't, would you mind messaging me what you can remember? O:-D

[CalebNihira]

im very surprised that everyone failed to mention this is the Concordia Choir (Moorhead, MN) conducted by Rene Clausen. Just thought I'd throw that in there...

[wh1telightning19]

thanks for letting us know. i always wondered who it was. great song.

[tuttifrutticutiee]

This song is possibly the most moving choral piece I have listened to. Thanks for posting the Frost version!

[TheCatalyticMind]

Certainly the best recording of this song I have ever heard. Is this BYU?

[CreamyPeach08]

Concordia Choir directed by Rene Clausen

[nikoru8407]

I used to have the CD with this version, now I can't find it. If it's not too much trouble, can you send me this song????

[MDWMDW]

Oh my god merry christmas this is the greatest find ever

[WaThEfLp90]

to be honest I like the revised version better but I think It is cuz i heard that version first and learned that version, but both are realy beutiful

[ClayM2010]

They're both outstanding lyrics. The poem is timeless, but the poem that Whitacre used is so haunting . . . I think there are things about them both that I like!

[eatondani]

Ah, as originally intended. I love it, but I also love the end result of "Sleep" when use of Frost's poem was denied. This puts me in mind of Frostiana but I cannot remember who composed that.

[jeffy5482]

Randall Thompson

[Frellie]

This slideshow is nerve-wreckingly fast!

Feels like a high speed car chase. Not very appropriate for this music...

[YoJolina]

Wow with the Frost poem! Thanks so much for posting!!

[tornadoalleyrocks]

You are right, the second sopranos are not singing the note true to the page.

It takes away from some the the intensity normally caused by the two soprano voice parts peaking together.

At first listen, I still prefer the Silvestri lyrics to the Frost poem simply because of a few select vowel choices (such as that of 'dune' in the second phrase) that are present with the poem. Still, there's something to be said about the original beauty painted by these classic words.

[flux3000]

Interesting with the old lyrics.

However, the second sopranos sure are singing the wrong note at 3:16.

[msuthon]

By listening to the original setting of this piece, you understand the composition of the music better. It makes a lot more sense when the original thought is present.

It is a shame that this wonderful piece of music was shelved due to a very fundamental aspect of music... secure copyright permission before you write it. Blame Whitacre, not Frost estate, they are protecting their property. However, Sleep is just as beautiful of a piece!

[kharja25]

This is an amazing find. Outstanding, really.

[alyssacroacia]

What language is this in?

[PilumViris]

Seriously man? English, it's a Robert Frost poem, I can almost guarantee you've heard it. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".

[pantonality]

Wow! Genius meets genius. The familiar version is trite by comparison. The music is great but in this context it's so much better. The shame is that Frost estate will not allow this poem to be set to music. I'm guessing that's because of some indication from Frost himself. I guess even a genius can be stupid sometimes.

[chcknpie04]

i can't decide if I like the original lyrics better or the "sleep" lyrics. There both enchanting and both use word painting in brilliant ways

[chcknpie04]

I can't decide if I like the original lyrics better or not...hmm

[Shrubbs]

I have this song, this is so beautiful!

[tenorthechad]

you're very lucky! this recording is very difficult to find nowadays. I found it about 8 years ago on Napster and was stupid enough to lose it. I don't think cstmptbg12 is correct in saying the recording is illegal per se, as anyone could always replace the words of Whitacre's "Sleep" with the text from "Stopping By Woods", as I've done before. But anyway, thanks for posting this.

[Shrubbs]

I also have the mp3 from other sources ( of which I refuse to mention)

If anyone wants it, I'd be more than happy to share it

I'm sure you could find this recording on the web or even try iTunes

[doublefortissimo]

Hey, can you get back to me on how to get that?

[cstmptbg12]

oh my god... how did you get this recording? you know it is illegal right? this is amazing. thank you for posting this.

[duston15]

we played the song 2 years ago for band, and our instructor sent out this copy so we could better understand how it sounded...i have never been able to find anything like it so i had to post it

[bboland13]

@cstmptbg12 - As far as I know the only recording of this version of "Sleep" is done by The Concordia Choir of Concordia University, Minnesota (under the direction of Rene Clausen [who is a god, I swear it]). I'm positive that this is their recording. I am very lucky to know one of the baritones who was in the choir during this recording and have a copy of that cd. :)

[Haagy11]

@bboland13 It's The Concordia Choir of Concordia College, Moorhead MN. A true loss to the choral community to have this recording unavailable to the public. A fine performance, of a fine setting by a fine choir.