ELLIOTT CARTER (1908-2012): 4 Lauds for Solo Violin, Figment I and Figment II - Remembering Mr. Ives for Solo Cello, 3 Duetti for Violin and Cello.

Description: Relatively late works by Carter, typical of the miniatures that became increasingly important in his later years; dedicated to friends and colleagues, in a light, fleet-footed, often mischievous style. Restricting himself to solos and duets necessarily reduces complexity of texture, but for instance, in the 4 Lauds, there is no shortage of rhythmic complexity, with the characteristic interlacing of divergent material with contrasting phrasing, meter and temporal proportions - and no shortage of dazzling virtuosity either. The Lauds pay tribute to Copland, Petrassi, Robert Mann and Sessions, and incorporate playful, obscured references to their music, as does the 'Ives' Figment. The Duetti (for Babbitt) are masterful in their quicksilver changes of texture and rhythmically independent oppositions, all in Carter's instantly recognisable, non-tonal harmonic language. Caroline Chin (violin), Brian Snow (cello).