Eric Whitacre like you've never heard him before.
This piece was commissioned by Thomas G. Leslie at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where Whitacre completed his undergrad. He completed this piece in his first year at Juilliard. Campy, over-the-top, and hilarious. Although the music doesn't boast any of the contemporary idioms of its time, it is a masterclass in instrumental humour and narrative, using clever orchestrations and witty homages get a laugh.
The recording here is the original piece for concert band. However, in 2015 Jonathan Newman re-orchestrated the piece for a full orchestra, and Whitacre wrote new choral parts. I highly recommend also listening to that version. You can watch it here: • Godzilla Eats Las Vega...