Carter: Quintets & Voices

Elliott Carter's 'Carter: Quintets & Voices' is a captivating album that showcases the composer's mastery of avant-garde and chamber music. Released on 9 December 2003 by Mode Records, this collection of works is a testament to Carter's innovative spirit and creative genius. The album features a diverse range of pieces, including 'Fragment No. 2', 'Piano Quintet', and 'Quintet for Piano & Winds', which demonstrate Carter's ability to craft complex, intricate compositions that push the boundaries of traditional music.

The 'Tempo e tempi' series, which comprises eight movements, is a highlight of the album, with each piece offering a unique perspective on the interplay between time and tempo. From the haunting beauty of 'Ed è subito sera' to the playful nuances of 'Godimento', Carter's music is characterised by its intellectual depth and emotional resonance.

With a duration of one hour and 18 minutes, 'Carter: Quintets & Voices' is a substantial and rewarding listen, offering a rich and varied musical experience that will appeal to fans of contemporary classical music. Throughout the album, Carter's signature style is evident, marked by his use of dissonance, polyrhythms, and innovative instrumental textures. As a result, 'Carter: Quintets & Voices' is an essential addition to the discography of any serious music enthusiast, and a powerful testament to Elliott Carter's status as one of the most important composers of his generation.

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.