Happy Birthday Elliott Carter!

[ahinton]

Today, the elder statesman of American music reaches the age of 103 and, as far as I know, is still composing (there have already been several new works from him this year). Although he's not the only composer to make it past his centenary (Ornstein and le Flem being two notable examples of others who did), he appears to be the only one in history who has continued to compose after it.

This being a piano forum, perhaps now might be a good opportunity to open up a discussion of his piano writing. Whilst he is not an inveterate piano composer such as Rachmaninov, Medtner, Sorabji or Finnissy, he has devoted a fair share of attention to the instrument. Aside from his two main solo works, the Sonata from the mid-1940s and Night Fantasies from almost 35 years later, there is now quite a clutch of miniatures for the instrument; in addition, what was for many years his only piano concerto (dating from the 1960s) has in recent years been followed up by quite a few more works for piano and orchestra or small ensemble, the most recent (at least as far as I now!) being Conversations, for piano, percussion and orchestra from last year. So - there's quite a lot to write about!

So let's raise our glasses to him and see who's going to start the discussion!...

Best,

Alistair

[littletune]

Yes a very happy birthday! I guess I should start the discussion  I mean we're almost related we have such similar birth dates!!    (11. xx 19x8). But I don't really know enough so I don't know what I should talk about  ... so someone else should start! 

Oh Alistair... now or know? 

[pianowolfi]

Happy 103d Birthday Elliott Carter!

[pianobilliam]

I wish Elliot a Happy Birthday. 

[ahinton]

I wish Elliot a Happy Birthday. 

Two "t"s, please (and no sugar!)...

I should perhaps add that there was an all-Carter concert at 92nd Y in New York a couple of weeks ago that included no less than five works that he wrote this year!

I somehow suspect that he'll outlive us all...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

I should perhaps add that there was an all-Carter concert at 92nd Y in New York a couple of weeks ago that included no less than five works that he wrote this year!

You could have told me before the event.

Would have loved to attended that one.

Thal