Elliott Carter /

The "American Composers" series--short, readable biographies of such notable composers as Lou Harrison, John Cage, William Grant Still, and Dudley Buck--is now in its fifth year. In this entry, Wierzbicki (musicology, Univ. of Sydney, Australia; Film Music: A History) focuses on the life and works of one of the most distinguished living American composers, Elliot Carter, who celebrated his 102nd birthday last year and has produced a flood of new works in the past two decades. Carter's music, notoriously complex and challenging for performers and listeners alike, has garnered high praise as well as scathing criticism. Wierzbicki provides an objective assessment of his oeuvre and frequently quotes other writers and critics to provide balance. In contrast to David Schiff's definitive The Music of Elliot Carter, Wierzbicki's book avoids technical analysis in favor of a broad examination of Carter's life and works. Verdict Thoroughly researched and accessible to the lay reader, the book will intrigue readers who wish to deepen their appreciation of this legendary composer. Recommended for all public and music collections.--Larry A. Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, PA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.