The Ensemble Intercontemporain has performed Elliott’s music since its founding by his friend Pierre Boulez.
He created the most original and well-crafted forms which are so stimulating for the Ensemble soloists. Among several other world premieres which the Ensemble Intercontemporain performed over the years, the premiere of his clarinet concerto in 1997 was an event here: witty and versatile, the clarinet is echoed by the different groups according to a virtuosic path, which creates something more complex than a concerto, because in the groups, each musician is interacting with the soloist individually.
Far from any mannerism or ideology, this mix of virtuosity of the individual parts and a thrilling dramaturgical model is characteristic of Carter’s music and conveys a feeling of freedom and joy to the listener.
We will miss the charming person but his witty and individualistic spirit is still at work when we play his music.