Originally, Whitacre composed the music for a setting of Robert Frost’s iconic poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." The piece was commissioned by Julia Armstrong in memory of her parents, who shared a deep love for the poem.

: For detailed program notes and a complete list of available arrangements (including Men’s and Women’s Chorus), visit the official Eric Whitacre Music Catalog. Legacy and The Virtual Choir

: You can purchase and download digital sheet music from authorized retailers like JW Pepper or Sheet Music Plus. These platforms provide high-quality PDFs for instant printing.

Because "Sleep" is a copyrighted work, finding a legitimate usually involves purchasing a digital license.

The Legal Twist: From Robert Frost to Charles Anthony Silvestri

The story of Eric Whitacre ’s is one of the most fascinating tales in modern choral music, involving a race against legal deadlines, a beloved American poem, and a final product that has become a staple for choirs worldwide.