Henze: Cantata of the ultimate fable; Muses of Sicily; Moralities

Dive into the avant-garde and neoclassical realms with Hans Werner Henze's captivating album, released in 1996. This collection, spanning 1 hour and 15 minutes, is a testament to Henze's mastery of composition, featuring three distinct works that showcase his unique musical vision. The album opens with "Cantata of the Ultimate Fable," a poetic and dramatic piece inspired by Elsa Morante's poem "Tu sei la fiaba estrema." This cantata is a journey through various musical landscapes, from the reflective "Solo chi ama conosce" to the lively "Sei tu Giulietta?" and the choral "La bella trama, adorata dal mio cuore."

Following the cantata, the album presents "Muses of Sicily," a suite composed in 1966 that evokes the spirit of the Italian island through its three movements: the pastoral "Pastorale," the contemplative "Adagio," and the energetic "Silenus. Vivace." The album concludes with "Moralities," a 1967 work that explores themes of morality and human experience through three contrasting pieces: the whimsical "In Urzeiten lebten friedlich," the stark "Ehe Zeit war, zu des Anfangs Beginn," and the dramatic "Ein Schiff stach in See, verließ den Hafen."

Performed by the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, this album is a rich tapestry of sound that highlights Henze's innovative approach to composition and his deep connection to literary and philosophical themes. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious explorer of avant-garde sounds, this album offers a rewarding and thought-provoking listening experience. The album is released by Deutsche Grammophon, a label renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence.