Dive into the profound and gripping world of Hans Werner Henze's "Das Floß der Medusa," a masterful oratorio that stands as a testament to the composer's genius and his enduring relevance in the realms of avant-garde and neoclassical music. Released in 2019 by SWR Classic, this album is a powerful exploration of human struggle and societal cruelty, encapsulated in the harrowing tale of shipwrecked survivors adrift on a raft.
Comprising 17 tracks, "Das Floß der Medusa" unfolds over the course of nearly an hour and nine minutes, each movement meticulously crafted to convey the desperation and turmoil of the survivors. From the ominous "Prolog des Charon" to the haunting "Ballade vom Mann auf dem Floß," Henze's composition is a journey through the darkest aspects of human nature, set against the backdrop of a grueling ordeal at sea.
The oratorio, with a libretto by Ernst Schnabel, was originally intended for a 1968 premiere, but political turmoil delayed its debut. This recording, however, offers a fresh and timely perspective on Henze's vision, highlighting his ability to blend political commentary with deeply moving musical expression.
Henze, one of the most prolific and successful contemporary German composers, brings his signature style to this work, weaving together complex musical structures with a narrative that is as compelling as it is unsettling. The album is a stark reminder of the composer's commitment to addressing societal issues through his art, making it a significant addition to any music lover's collection.
Experience the raw intensity and artistic brilliance of Hans Werner Henze's "Das Floß der Medusa," a work that challenges and inspires in equal measure.
2019 SWR Classic2019 SWR Classic
Tracks
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 1, Prolog des CharonHans Werner Henze, Peter Stein, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 2, MottoHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 3, Ordre und MusterrolleHans Werner Henze, Peter Stein, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 4, Journal der ÜberfahrtHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, Peter Stein, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 5, Eine AntwortHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 6, Versuche zur RettungHans Werner Henze, Peter Schone, Peter Stein, Camilla Nylund, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 7, Die AusschiffungHans Werner Henze, Peter Stein, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 8, Ballade vom VerratHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 9, Gesang mit neuen StimmenHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 10, Answeisungen für den zweiten TagHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 11, Feststellung der LageHans Werner Henze, Peter Stein, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 12, MottoHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 13, Appell unter dem MondeHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 14, Die Rechnung zum TodeHans Werner Henze, Peter Schone, Peter Stein, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 15, Die Ballade vom Mann auf dem FloßHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 16, Fuge der Überlebenden und Ankündigung der RettungHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, Peter Stein, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Das Floß der Medusa: No. 18, FinaleHans Werner Henze, Camilla Nylund, Peter Schone, Peter Stein, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, WDR Rundfunkchor Köln, Freiburger Domsingknaben, SWR Symphonieorchester, Peter Eötvös
Hans Werner Henze was a German composer whose extensive body of work is a testament to his eclectic tastes and open-minded approach to music. Throughout his career, Henze drew inspiration from a wide range of influences, including serialism, atonality, the works of Igor Stravinsky, Italian and Arabic music, and even jazz. This diverse palette of inspirations is reflected in his compositions, which span various genres and styles, with a particular emphasis on avant-garde and neoclassical music. Henze's stage works, in particular, showcase his lifelong dedication to creating music for the theater, offering audiences a rich and immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary. His unique blend of influences and commitment to innovation make Hans Werner Henze a captivating figure in the world of classical music.
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Hans Werner Henze
