After Eric Whitacre decided upon the poem by Edward Esch (He was immediately struck by its genuine, elegant simplicity), he had it translated into the Latin by the celebrated American poet Charles Anthony Silvestri. A simple approach was essential to the success of the work, and he waited patiently for the tight harmonies to shimmer and glow. Lux Aurumque transcribed for full orchestra in 2015 and was premiered with the Minnesota Orchestra in May of that year.