Sinfonia / Intégrale des symphonies

Description

Hans Werner Henze is one of the most remarkable composers of the 20th century. To mark his centenary, this edition will include all the recordings released on the WERGO label, some of which were produced under his supervision – a vast collection that does not claim to be complete but serves as an impressive testament to a versatility that reflects Henze's open-mindedness and cosmopolitan vision: in terms of cultural history, politics, and society, as well as form and composition. Grouped and divided into categories of works in this edition, the recordings, some of which are no longer available, will be released in five-CD box sets in 2026, starting with the symphonies, followed by orchestral works and instrumental concertos, chamber music and piano, vocal music, and concluding with stage works, including the unreleased recording of "Der Prinz von Homburg." Nearly 50 years elapsed between the composition of Hans Werner Henze's First Symphony in 1947 and the Tenth, completed at the turn of the millennium. The literary and political references are very diverse, ranging from ancient mythology to the Cuban Revolution, with the Ninth as a grand choral symphony based on "The Seventh Cross." From one work to another, one can trace Henze's development as a composer to the sublime mastery of his late works. With his 10 symphonies, Henze created one of the most monumental symphonic cycles of the 20th century.