Between 1968 and 1990, Nonesuch produced a remarkable series of recordings on LP and CD showcasing the works of Elliott Carter, which for many listeners was their initial encounters with this challenging yet richly rewarding music. First experiences in many cases have proved to be the best as well, since several of these performances have achieved classic status and arguably have not been surpassed. Considering such great performers as mezzo-soprano Jan de Gaetani, pianists Paul Jacobs and Gilbert Kalish, cellists Joel Krosnick and Fred Sherry, flutist Harvey Sollberger, oboist Charles Kuskin, the Composers Quartet, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble under Arthur Weisberg, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with James Levine, among other acclaimed artists, it's not difficult to grasp how highly their performances are esteemed and why they have remained in print for several years, when much of Nonesuch's modern music catalog from the 1970s and ‘80s has disappeared. Fortunately, these recordings have been brought together in a slim box set of four discs and a generous booklet to celebrate Carter's 100th birthday, so the problem of collecting the individual albums has been eliminated. Here are 14 works that represent Carter's most important work from 1942 to 1982, basically the early and middle periods of his long career, since he has remained active into his centennial year and composed music not covered by this retrospective. Yet despite the lack of late pieces, this collection of core works is essential for any serious Carter admirer and is a comprehensive introductory package for newcomers to the music of this American original. Highly recommended. Blair Sanderson
Disc One
Paul Jacobs, piano (1-2)
Jan DeGaetani, mezzo-soprano; Gilbert Kalish, piano (3-4)
New York Chamber Symphony, Gerard Schwarz, conductor (5-21)
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz, conductor (22)
Disc Two
Joel Krosnick, cello; Paul Jacobs, piano (1-4)
The Composers Quartet (5-7): Matthew Raimondi, Anahid Ajemian, violin; Jean Dupouy, viola; Michael Rudiakov, cello
Harvey Sollberger, flute; Charles Kuskin, oboe; Fred Sherry, cello; Paul Jacobs, harpsichord (8-10)
Disc Three
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine, conductor (1)
The Composers Quartet (2-10): Matthew Raimondi, Anahid Ajemian, violin; Jean Dupouy, viola; Michael Rudiakov, cello
Paul Jacobs, harpsichord; Gilbert Kalish, piano; The Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (11-17): Arthur Weisberg, conductor. Orchestra I (harpsichord): Paul Dunkel, flute/piccolo; Douglas Hill, horn; Allan Dean, trumpet; John Swallow, trombone; Raymond DesRoches, Claire Heldrich, percussion; Jacob Glick, viola; Jeffrey Levine, contrabass. Orchestra II (piano): George Haas, oboe; Allen Blustine, clarinet/piccolo clarinet; Donald MacCourt, bassoon; Joseph Anderer, horn; Howard Van Hyning, Richard Fitz, percussion; Linda Quan, violin; Fred Sherry, cello
Disc Four
Paul Jacobs, piano (1)
The Fires of London (2-7): Philippa Davies, flute; David Campbell, clarinet; Rosemary Furniss, violin; Jonathan Williams, cello; Gregory Knowles, percussion
Martyn Hill, tenor; London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen, conductor (8-13)
