Meaning: The quote by Elliott Carter provides insight into his composition process for his Third Quartet. This composition is known for its innovative use of instrumental pairs and their interactions within the quartet. Carter, an American composer who lived from 1908 to 2012, was known for his complex and challenging musical style, and his Third Quartet is a prime example of this.

In this quote, Carter discusses how he structured the quartet by creating pairs of instruments that played very different things from each other throughout the entire piece. Specifically, he mentions that he made the instruments in two different pairs: violin and viola, and violin and cello. This unique approach to instrumentation and interaction between the pairs of instruments is a hallmark of Carter's style and demonstrates his innovative approach to chamber music composition.

The use of paired instruments in Carter's Third Quartet is a distinctive feature that sets this composition apart from traditional string quartets. By creating pairs of instruments that play contrasting and independent musical lines, Carter challenges the conventional roles and interactions within a string quartet. This approach adds layers of complexity and depth to the composition, creating a rich tapestry of musical dialogue and interplay.

Carter's decision to pair the violin with both the viola and the cello allows for a wide range of sonic possibilities and musical interactions. The violin, as the highest-pitched instrument in the quartet, contrasts and complements the lower-pitched viola and cello, creating a dynamic spectrum of timbres and textures. This deliberate juxtaposition of instruments enriches the musical landscape and contributes to the intricate web of musical conversations that unfold throughout the piece.

Furthermore, the idea of having instruments play very different things from each other emphasizes Carter's interest in polyphony and contrapuntal textures. By assigning distinct musical material to each pair of instruments, Carter creates a complex network of independent voices that intersect and intertwine, showcasing his mastery of counterpoint and musical architecture.

Carter's approach to instrumental pairs in the Third Quartet reflects his broader exploration of musical form and structure. The interplay between the paired instruments serves as a driving force for the development and progression of the composition, shaping its overall narrative and dramatic arc. The tension and synergy between the violin and viola, as well as the violin and cello, contribute to the intricate musical tapestry that defines Carter's Third Quartet.

In conclusion, Elliott Carter's quote sheds light on the innovative and intricate nature of his Third Quartet. By creating pairs of instruments that play contrasting and independent musical material, Carter redefines the traditional roles and interactions within a string quartet, showcasing his mastery of polyphony, counterpoint, and musical form. The unique approach to instrumentation and interplay in the Third Quartet exemplifies Carter's adventurous and forward-thinking compositional style, cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in contemporary classical music.