Elliott Carter's 1990 release, "The Minotaur; Piano Sonata; Two Songs," is a captivating exploration of avant-garde and chamber music that showcases the composer's unique and innovative approach. The album is a journey through a variety of musical landscapes, each track offering a distinct and engaging experience.
The centerpiece of the album is the extended work "The Minotaur," a dramatic and intricate piece that draws inspiration from Greek mythology. This multi-movement work is a narrative journey, taking the audience through the labyrinthine tale of the Minotaur, from the initial tryst of Queen Pasiphaë with the sacred bull to the eventual slaying of the beast by Theseus. Carter's masterful composition brings the myth to life, with each scene vividly depicted through music.
Complementing "The Minotaur" are two shorter pieces, "Dust of Snow" and "The Rose Family," which offer a contrast in style and mood. These songs are delicate and introspective, showcasing Carter's ability to convey deep emotion and subtlety.
The album concludes with the "Piano Sonata," a two-movement work that highlights Carter's skill in writing for solo piano. The "Maestoso" and "Andante" movements are both technically demanding and musically rich, offering a satisfying conclusion to the album.
Throughout the album, Carter's innovative use of rhythm, harmony, and form is evident, making "The Minotaur; Piano Sonata; Two Songs" a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience. The album's duration of just over an hour ensures that the journey is engaging from start to finish.
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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