Carter: Late Works

Dive into the late masterworks of Elliott Carter, one of the most influential composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, with this captivating 2017 release from Ondine. "Late Works" is a testament to Carter's enduring creativity and innovation, featuring seven of his final compositions, five of which are recorded here for the very first time. Spanning a rich hour and fourteen minutes, this album is a journey through Carter's unique musical language, characterized by its complexity, wit, and youthful energy.

The album showcases an impressive ensemble of performers, including Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Colin Currie, Isabelle Faust, and Jean-Guihen Queyras, alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, all conducted by the late, great Oliver Knussen. This stellar cast brings to life Carter's intricate compositions, ranging from dialogues and controversies to soundings and epigrams, each piece a testament to the composer's unyielding spirit and boundless imagination.

"Late Works" is not just a collection of late-career pieces; it's a celebration of Elliott Carter's enduring legacy. The album was even a finalist for Presto Classical's Recordings of the Year 2017, a testament to its quality and significance. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde chamber music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling introduction to Carter's late style, marked by its Haydnesque wit and astonishing vitality. Prepare to be astonished and inspired by the genius of 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.