Hans Werner Henze - Symphonies (Marek Janowski)

Information

Composer: Hans Werner Henze

• CD1: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6
• CD2: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 10
• CD3: Symphonies Nos. 3, 4 & 5
• CD4: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8
• CD5: Symphony No. 9

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Marek Janowski, conductor

Compilation: 2026

Label: Wergo

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To commemorate the centenary of Hans Werner Henze, one of the 20th century's most outstanding composers, the WERGO label has released a comprehensive edition of his recordings, many produced under his direct supervision. While not claiming to be exhaustive, this extensive collection serves as an impressive testament to Henze’s legendary versatility. The curated works beautifully mirror his open-minded, cosmopolitan outlook, reflecting his deep engagement with cultural history, politics, and society. Ultimately, this milestone edition highlights Henze's diverse approach to musical form and composition, offering a profound retrospective of a momentous avant-garde legacy.

German composer Hans Werner Henze (1926–2012) was celebrated for weaving an advanced, highly individual style into traditional musical forms. Initially trained by Wolfgang Fortner and René Leibowitz, Henze mastered the 12-tone technique before shifting toward a freely inventive, eclectic lyricism with his 1956 opera König Hirsch. Residing in Italy from 1953, he proved highly versatile across ballets, symphonies, and acclaimed operas. His mid-1960s socialist awakening led to explicitly political compositions and essays advocating for politicized music. A dedicated educator and founder of the Munich Biennale, Henze's enduring contributions to international contemporary music earned him the prestigious Praemium Imperiale in 2000.

Born in Warsaw in 1939 and educated in Germany, conductor Marek Janowski built an illustrious international career spanning over five decades. Following early general music directorships, he achieved global recognition in the late 1970s, becoming a frequent guest at elite opera houses like the Metropolitan Opera. He eventually shifted focus toward the great German symphonic repertoire. Highly sought-after for his orchestral leadership, Janowski has served as music director or chief conductor for top ensembles, including the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin. His expansive, 40-year discography includes Wagner's Ring cycle and acclaimed complete symphonic sets.