Carter, Elliot. (1908–2012)
Second String Quartet - Autograph Musical Quotation
Detailed AMQS, identified as the "2nd String Quartet" by the important American composer. He has neatly penned three measures for cello and violin on a small slip, signing below and dating New York, October 29, 1965. Mounted on a postcard. In very fine condition. 5 x 3 inches (13 x 8 cm).The Second String Quartet by American composer Elliott Carter was completed in 1959. It was commissioned by the Stanley String Quartet, and received its first performance in 1960 by the Juilliard String Quartet. The quartet is considerably influenced by the music of European avant-garde composers who were gaining celebrity at this time, particularly Pierre Boulez's Le marteau sans maître. This is a much more fragmentary piece than his earlier quartet (1951): the four instruments play very individual roles and unpredictably bounce off one another. Indeed, Carter instructs the players to sit as far apart as possible so that they appear to be playing different pieces simultaneously. (15836)
AMQS Classical Music