What will you be doing at age 103? Those who experience an entire century are viewed as rare accomplishers of a great feat. However, at such an age in which retirement should have begun decade’s prior, New York’s own Elliot Carter continues to enjoy his occupation. Cater, who has won two Pulitzer prizes, is a highly notable composer who progressed from creating neoclassical works to rhythmically convoluted music. His orchestral, chamber, vocal, and solo instrumental arrangements have even been performed globally. During his eighties, at a time of life when such notable artists as Verdi and Stravinsky finished their final pieces, Carter was as busy as ever. In fact, he published over 40 works between the age of 90 and 100!
During a concert held on Thursday night, cellist director Fred Shelly and other notable musicians played in Caters’ honor. The highlight of the show featured five pieces that Carter wrote himself; among these included “A Sunbeam’s Architecture,” “Bariolage,” “Rigmarole,” “Mnemosyné,” and “Trije Glasbeniki.” Interestingly enough, Carter’s style was early influenced by both Stravinshky and Copland (who the Queens college music building is named after) but he later created a distinct identity for himself through the use of a stratified rhythm, especially his “structural polyrhythm.”
Ironically, as the world celebrates the continuation of Carter’s life, the music world (especially supporters of the Metropolitan Opera) worries about the health of famous director James Levine. Italian conductor Fabio Luisi will replace Mr. Levine until 2013. This must only further annoy the Rome Opera who threw harsh criticisms in September over loosing Luisi when he came to fill in for Levine earlier this fall. The music world is starting the look like the National Basketball Association. Regardless, the resilience of Mr. Carter throughout the years is something worth celebrating, especially next year God Willing on his 104th. Hopefully one day the same can be said about us.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/rome-opera-not-happy-about-losing-conductor-to-the-met/
