Elliott Carter's "The Minotaur; Piano Sonata; Two Songs" is a captivating blend of avant-garde and chamber music, released on January 1, 1990, under the Nonesuch label. This album is a testament to Carter's innovative compositional style, showcasing his ability to push the boundaries of classical music.
The centerpiece of the album is "The Minotaur," a ballet in two scenes that tells the mythical tale of the Minotaur, a creature born from the union of Queen Pasiphaë and a sacred bull. The ballet is divided into two scenes, each exploring different aspects of the myth. The first scene takes place in King Minos' Palace in Crete, where the queen prepares for her tryst with the sacred bull, and the Minotaur is born. The second scene unfolds before the labyrinth, where the Minotaur is imprisoned, and the Greek hero Theseus ultimately slays the beast.
Accompanying "The Minotaur" are two other notable works: "Piano Sonata," a technically demanding piece that highlights Carter's intricate and complex compositional style, and "Two Songs," a pair of enchanting vocal pieces that showcase his melodic prowess.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Elliott Carter's "The Minotaur; Piano Sonata; Two Songs" is sure to captivate and inspire.
The Minotaur, Scene I: King Minos' Palace in Crete, OvertureElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene I: King Minos' Palace in Crete, Queen Pasiphaë prepares for a tryst with the sacred bullElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene I: King Minos' Palace in Crete, Entrance of the bulls and the sacred bullElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene I: King Minos' Palace in Crete, Dance of the bulls and Pasiphaë with the sacred bullElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene I: King Minos' Palace in Crete, Interlude - Pasiphaë's heartbeat becomes the pounding of hammers used in building the labyrinthElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Building the labyrinth to imprison the Minotaur who destroys menElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Entrance of King MinosElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Selection of Greek victims to be sent into the labyrinthElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Ariadne, princess of Crete, dances with Theseus, a Greek victimElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Greek victims are driven into the labyrinthElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Theseus' farewell to Ariadne as he enters the labyrinthElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Ariadne unwinds her thread as Theseus, entering the labyrinth, pulls the thread after himElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Theseus fights and kills the Minotaur (as his movements are transmitted to Ariadne who is holding the other end of the thread)Elliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Ariadne rewinds her thread to lead Theseus out of the labyrinthElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, The thread breaks. Ariadne is greatly dismayedElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, Theseus and some of the Greeks emerge from the labyrinth and rejoiceElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
The Minotaur, Scene II: Before the Labyrinth, The Greeks and Theseus, forgetting Ariadne, leave CreteElliott Carter, Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony Of The 92nd Street Y
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