Latest Carter

It was a stellar night in NYC with the world premiere of Elliott Carter's Clarinet Quintet with Charles Neidich and the Juilliard Quartet.

Each member also played a solo work by the 99 year old composer, with MVP awards to Ronald Copes and Samuel Rhoads who especially shone in their spotlight moments.

After intermission, Carter joined the players on stage with Juilliard Dean and Provost Ara Guzelimian for a discussion of the new quintet - and you would have never believed Carter was in his 90s, with wit, humor, expression and gestures of a 50 year old, but the wisdom only he could convey.
My favorite quote from Carter comes from mentioning a recurring effect throughout the 20 minute work, a snap pizzicato. "The pizzicato you hear in the cello and then throughout the work is unrelated to the intervals and notes in this quintet - I put it in there like a splash of color in a painting."
It was a delight to hear the work twice in the evening.


Dr. Dick's entry is here on his blog. Read about hearing all five String Quartets last January here and about "Ten for Carter" here.