Classical Music Composer Elliott Carter Dies at 103

On Monday, classical composer Elliott Carter died in New York, at the age of 103 years. During his career of more than 75 years, Elliott Carter had won two Pulitzer Prizes. A prolific composer, Carter had created about 158 music compositions. He won Pulitzer Prizes in 1960 and 1973 for string quartets. Many of his music compositions were created after he had crossed the age of a hundred years. One such composition for chamber orchestra is due to be released in February for a world premier.

In a statement, music publisher Boosey & Hawkes mentioned, “The great range and diversity of his music has, and will continue to have, influence on countless composers and performers worldwide.” The publisher further expressed, “He will be missed by us all but remembered for his brilliance, his wit and his great canon of work.”

Elliott Carter received the National Medal of Arts in 1985. It is the highest award given to artists by the nation. Carter’s name was also entered into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2008, the Boston Symphony Orchestra celebrated his 100th birthday with a performance of one of his works. Elliott Carter was also the recipient of national awards from Germany and France.