Elliott Carter

Album Description

Dive into the world of avant-garde chamber music with Elliott Carter's "Essential Masters," a comprehensive collection that spans the composer's prolific early career from 1942 to 1962. This expansive album, released by Unchained Melodie, offers a deep exploration of Carter's unique musical language, which he developed in dialogue with the giants of 20th-century music, Arnold Schoenberg and Charles Ives.

With a duration of over three hours, this album is a treasure trove of Carter's innovative compositions, featuring a diverse range of works that showcase his mastery of form and harmony. From the intricate String Quartets No. 1 and 2 to the dramatic "The Minotaur" and the delicate "Elegy for String Orchestra," each piece is a testament to Carter's unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of classical music.

The album includes performances by renowned ensembles and soloists, such as the New York Chamber Symphony and Fred Sherry, who bring Carter's complex and challenging pieces to life with precision and passion. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, "Essential Masters" offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the genius of Elliott Carter, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

27 juni 2012

2012 Unchained Melodie

About Elliott Carter

Elliott Carter, a titan of 20th-century American music, is renowned for his innovative and distinctive compositions that blend European modernism with American ultra-modernism. Born in New York in 1908, Carter's prolific career spanned over seven decades, during which he created a vast array of orchestral, chamber, solo instrumental, and vocal works. His music is celebrated for its intricate exploration of tempo relationships and texture, earning him a place among the most influential composers of his time. Carter's accolades include two Pulitzer Prizes for his string quartets, and his monumental orchestral work, 'Symphonia: sum fluxae pretium spei', stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. With a career that defied conventional boundaries, Carter's compositions continue to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences alike, securing his status as a leading figure in modernist music.