His debut album Calling All Dawns was the recipient of two Grammys at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards: Best Classical Crossover Album, and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists (for the song 'Baba Yetu').
He received his undergraduate education at Stanford University and Oxford University, studying Music Composition, Conducting, and English Literature. After winning a Fulbright Scholarship, he continued his studies at the elite Royal College of Music in London--the alma mater of many of the giants of British composition: Benjamin Britten, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, Gustav Holst and others. There, he earned an MMus with Distinction, graduating with the highest marks in his class, and winning the Horovitz Composition Prize. He is also a Sundance Institute fellow.
His music has been performed live by many orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Philharmonia, Metropole Orchestra, and hundreds of amateur choirs around the world. His sheet music is published by Alfred Publishing.
In addition to his album work, he is also an active composer of music for films, video games, advertising, and many other media. He has won awards for his video game music, for titles such as Civilization IV and Pirates Of The Caribbean Online. He has contributed to scores for such Hollywood blockbusters as X2: X-Men United and Lilo And Stitch 2, and a host of independent features, documentaries and TV specials. And he has developed major ad campaigns for brands like Puma, Verizon, The Gap, and others. (More information on his custom work can be found at his online portfolio, Tin Works.)
His career is also marked by many rare and unusual distinctions; he has both co-created the startup sound for Microsoft's Surface operating system, and a demo song for Apple's Garage Band software, now found on every new Mac computer. His hit song 'Baba Yetu' is both the theme song to the video game Civilization IV, and is also used as a featured segment for the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest choreographed fountain, situated at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper. Its win at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards made history as the first video game piece ever to receive Grammy recognition.
Christopher Tin currently lives in Santa Monica, CA.
Lux aeterna
Christopher Tin Lyrics
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Requiem aeterna donna eis domine
The lyrics of Christopher Tin's song "Lux Aeterna" are in Latin and are taken from the Catholic Mass for the Dead. The phrase "Lux aeterna" means "eternal light" and is often used to refer to the afterlife. The lyrics are a prayer for the souls of the departed, asking that they may find eternal light in the next life. The use of the Latin language adds to the solemn and reverent tone of the song.
The lyrics are set to a haunting and atmospheric melody that features a full orchestra, choir, and solo voice. The music builds in intensity as the song progresses, reflecting the idea that the souls of the departed are being lifted up to the heavens. The overall effect of the music and lyrics is one of awe and reverence, reflecting the idea that even in death, there is hope for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Lux aeterna luceat eis domine
May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord.
Requiem aeterna donna eis domine
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.
Contributed by Ryan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.