Elliott Carter / The Composers Quartet
String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
★★★½
Two quartet pieces that are pretty distinct from each other, and created about a decade apart. Elliott Carter is a pivotal American composer that helped differentiate the scene from what the Europeans were doing at the time. And he is quite prolific with his output as well; especially in his later years. He got a lot done by the time he passed away at the ripe old age of 103.
The first quartet is composed of three movements that are intensely emotional and articulate. I think the problem many American composers, or musicians in general, have is trying to stay original in a world in which many musical techniques and styles have already been developed. Of course the blues and jazz music are both distinctly American genres but classical music is a bit more difficult to pin down. It wasn't until the 20th century (except Charles Ives to some extent) that American composers would be recognized globally, even more so in the later part of the century.
With these two mid-century quartets, Carter puts himself out for the whole world to take in. The scope of the two pieces are so varied and huge that it's a bit dense to take in on the first listen. On the first quartet it seems as though Carter has a lot to say and he tries to give it up all at once; a method which is really intense and lyrical. Almost like trying to decipher multiple languages at once.
The second quartet is a bit more compact and introverted, but by no means less confident or powerful. It's like he took the first quartet and really compressed down even further, making it even more essential to hone in on the details. I think I prefer this second quartet because of that fact, but also because it seems more focused and vital. The entire piece is hanging onto its life and there's moments where it seems all is lost. A beautifully recorded and performed pair of quartets composed by an underappreciated American.
Favorite Song: String Quarter No. 2
The first quartet is composed of three movements that are intensely emotional and articulate. I think the problem many American composers, or musicians in general, have is trying to stay original in a world in which many musical techniques and styles have already been developed. Of course the blues and jazz music are both distinctly American genres but classical music is a bit more difficult to pin down. It wasn't until the 20th century (except Charles Ives to some extent) that American composers would be recognized globally, even more so in the later part of the century.
With these two mid-century quartets, Carter puts himself out for the whole world to take in. The scope of the two pieces are so varied and huge that it's a bit dense to take in on the first listen. On the first quartet it seems as though Carter has a lot to say and he tries to give it up all at once; a method which is really intense and lyrical. Almost like trying to decipher multiple languages at once.
The second quartet is a bit more compact and introverted, but by no means less confident or powerful. It's like he took the first quartet and really compressed down even further, making it even more essential to hone in on the details. I think I prefer this second quartet because of that fact, but also because it seems more focused and vital. The entire piece is hanging onto its life and there's moments where it seems all is lost. A beautifully recorded and performed pair of quartets composed by an underappreciated American.
Favorite Song: String Quarter No. 2
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