Carter: Oboe Concerto, Esprit rude / Esprit doux, A Mirror on Which to Dwell & Penthode

Elliott Carter, a titan of 20th-century classical music, presents a compelling collection of his works in this 1990 album. The disc is a testament to Carter's innovative spirit and his enduring influence on the avant-garde and chamber music genres. It features the Oboe Concerto, a piece that showcases the instrument's expressive range, and Esprit rude / Esprit doux, a duet for violin and piano that exemplifies Carter's intricate rhythmic and harmonic language. The centerpiece of the album is A Mirror on Which to Dwell, a song cycle for soprano and piano that explores themes of memory and reflection through settings of poetry by Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell. The album concludes with Penthode, a quintet for piano and strings that demonstrates Carter's mastery of contrapuntal writing. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes, this album offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience for those eager to explore the complexities and beauty of Carter's music.