Hans Werner Henze - Royal Winter Music (Stefano Grondona)

Information

Composer: Hans Werner Henze

• Royal Winter Music: Guitar Sonata No. 1
• Royal Winter Music: Guitar Sonata No. 2

Stefano Grondona, guitar

Date: 2026

Label: Stradivarius

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Stefano Grondona’s recording of Hans Werner Henze’s Royal Winter Music: Two Sonatas on Shakespearean Characters marks a pivotal milestone in his career, following decades of deep immersion and public performance. This interpretation addresses the unique contradictions inherent in sophisticated 20th-century guitar repertoire. Structurally, the monumental cycle reconciles the grand architecture of the traditional sonata form with the rhapsodic, psychological nature of the character piece. Through the guitar’s distinct sonic textures, Henze explicitly evokes and dismisses iconic Shakespearean figures, providing a dramatic musical exploration that Grondona navigates with unmatched stylistic insight.

Renowned Italian classical guitarist, scholar, and music editor Stefano Grondona (born 1958) has forged a distinguished international career since his 1974 debut. Mentored by legends like Julian Bream and Andrés Segovia, Grondona solidified his reputation by winning prestigious competitions, including the Michele Pittaluga and Certamen Andrés Segovia. His extensive discography of over two dozen albums features award-winning releases like La Guitarra de Torres. A dedicated scholar of lutherie and history, Grondona has co-authored landmark texts on guitar making and edited definitive critical editions for Schott Music, significantly advancing modern performance practice and historical accuracy.

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