A Lot of Carter

We are back from Tanglewood and a week of concerts. We arrived on Sunday, and I saw a concert Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights and one at 5pm on Tuesday, so that makes 5 concerts, all of the music of composer Elliot Carter. I have heard his music before, my son played 3 of his pieces on the Masters recital at Rice, but I was not very familiar with this modern composer. He is 99 years old, and has been composing for close to 70 years, This is a lot of music. The five concerts only gave the audience a taste of what he has produced. Also, I have never been so immersed in the music of only one composer. It was an interesting experience.
My son played in 4 of the 5 concerts. It is very difficult music to play, and also to hear. However, as he grew older, Carter's pieces became shorter. Some of the middle period work was very loud, and needed a huge orchestra. Some of the chamber pieces were so complex that they required a conductor. I enjoyed his piano music the most. Next, I liked pieces that used a harp. The full orchestra pieces were also interesting. The works that featured oboe got a little tiresome.
How was this received? The hall was full for most of the programs. Carter attended most of the concerts, and stood up after each piece to applaud the performers. At the end of each concert, he received a standing ovation from the audience. For someone of his age, he is mobile, walking with a cane. He was signing programs, and visiting with people during the intermissions. What is most interesting is that he is still composing!