There have been centenarian composers before Elliott Carter: Irving Berlin, Nicolas Slonimsky, Leo Ornstein. But, none were still writing into their 100th year, nor have any of them had anything close to the lasting impact on music that Carter has had.
Whatever you think of Elliott's unique, uncompromising sound, today is a day worth celebrating. fêting Interventions for Piano and Orchestra, as well as The Rite of Spring, which Elliott saw in its first Carnegie performance nearly 85 years ago: an experience he credits with his decision to become a composer. ("I felt that I would love to write something like that
Oteri: "What would you want the listener to walk away with after hearing your music?"
Carter: "Happiness. Pleasure."
P.S. Get out your Smuckers: as Alex points out, Willard Scott will be announcing Elliott's 100th birthday on the Today Show tomorrow.