On this album, prodigious German composer Hans Werner Henze conducts The London Sinfonietta in four of his own compositions. He wrote music in many styles influenced by such things as Arabic music, jazz and, probably most readily noticeable, atonality and surrealism. He was also known for his political and social opinions. Due to a perceived lack of acceptance for his liberal political views and homosexuality, he left Germany for Italy in the early 1950's and became a member of the Communist Party of Italy. These pieces represent four different styles of composition that Henze employed throughout his career. Labyrinth is a ballet, Apollo et Hyazinthus was written for a vocal soloist, Wiegenlied der Mutter Gottes is a choral piece and L'usignolo Dell'imperatore is for chamber ensemble. This just barely scratches the surface of Henze's vast body of work. Download.
Wonderful to see this record. I have it, bought shortly after it was released, but I haven't heard it in some time as my turntable packed it in years ago. Many thanks. I look forward to your postings, our musical tastes seem very similar.
ReplyDelete-Brian
Evan, thank you so much for posting this.and, thank you so much for creating this magnificent blog. Your taste in music is extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteCount me as one of your minions!