Elliott Carter's 1990 album "The Minotaur; Piano Sonata; Two Songs" is a captivating exploration of the composer's early works, blending the dramatic and the intimate in a compelling musical journey. The album opens with the expansive and intricate "The Minotaur," a 32-minute chamber music piece that narrates the mythical tale through two scenes, complete with overtures, dances, and interludes. This avant-garde work showcases Carter's unique ability to weave complex narratives into his music.
Following this epic centerpiece, the album presents two songs inspired by Robert Frost's poetry: "Dust of Snow" and "The Rose Family." These brief yet evocative pieces offer a stark contrast to the grandeur of "The Minotaur," highlighting Carter's versatility and his ability to capture the essence of Frost's words in music.
The album concludes with the "Piano Sonata," a two-movement work that demonstrates Carter's mastery of the piano genre. The first movement, "Maestoso," is a solemn and stately piece, while the second, "Andante," is a more introspective and lyrical work. Together, they provide a fitting conclusion to this diverse and engaging collection.
Performed by the New York Chamber Symphony under the direction of Gerard Schwarz, with soloists Jan DeGaetani and Gilbert Kalish, this album is a testament to Carter's innovative spirit and his enduring influence on the world of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Carter's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
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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