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Latest recordings of a master

isabelle a | usa | 03/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although Mr. Carter's longevity is amazing, it really is secondary to his continued fecundity. These two discs are a sampler of his most recent work. Continuing his recent trend, most are short and somewhat less abrasive than his compositions 1950 to the 80s. They are no less vigorous for that, and cover his usual wide range: concerti, solo pieces, settings of poems, choral work, duos, etc. It is all consistently acute, original, and bracing. Superior liner notes.



The packaging/presentation is somewhat odd. It's a double CD in a double-size jewel case. I haven't seen one of these in a decade. Every company uses the slimline format. The title is vol 8 in Bridge Records' Carter series and is labeled (& priced) as an import even though Bridge is New York based. And though each track is correctly timed, the box & booklet list the total timing as 143 minutes. In fact the discs add up to 103 minutes, rather short measure at a $30+ price. While the audience for this ultra-refined music may not be large, the label should make a better effort to present an enticing package.



Addendum: the Amazon & "other" price has shifted several times in the weeks since I bought this great CD. And if you type in Carter's name, the line for this CD says "no image available" but when you click on the CD itself, there is the CD cover w/Mr. Carter beaming in front of his 100th birthday cake. It's a cute picture, so why isn't it there if you just type in his name?(March 23, 2010)



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Great composer

Barry Wiener | Bronx, New York | 05/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a major compilation of recent works by America's greatest composer. The performances are superb. Required for all who care about contemporary music."