Elliott Carter: The Four String Quartets, Duo For Violin and Piano (1991) 2CDs
Juilliard String Quartet; Christopher Oldfather, piano
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 603 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 330 Mb | Scans included
Classical, Contemporary, Avant-Garde | Label: Sony Classical | # S2K 47229 | 02:16:59
Juilliard String Quartet; Christopher Oldfather, piano
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 603 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 330 Mb | Scans included
Classical, Contemporary, Avant-Garde | Label: Sony Classical | # S2K 47229 | 02:16:59
These quartets are Juilliard specialties, and anyone wanting to hear this music played with a near ideal combination of virtuosity and humanity need look no further. Carter's quartets are not for the musically faint of heart: they are uncompromisingly thorny, intricate pieces that require lots of intense, dedicated listening. Very few people doubt their seriousness–or even their claims to musical greatness–but just as few people enjoy listening to them. Perhaps this spectacular set will encourage the adventurous to give them a shot. They're worth the time.