Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hans Werner Henze's "Das Floß der Medusa," a mesmerizing live recording set to release on September 1, 2023, under the CapriccioNR label. This avant-garde, neoclassical masterpiece spans a gripping 73 minutes, offering a unique auditory experience that blends the experimental edge of avant-garde with the refined elegance of neoclassical composition.
Henze, a maestro of contemporary classical music, weaves a rich tapestry of sound with "Das Floß der Medusa." The album is a live performance of his orchestral work, divided into two parts, each comprising a series of evocative pieces. From the haunting prologue "Prolog des Charon" to the intense climax of "Schau auf!", Henze's composition takes you on a journey through a narrative that is as compelling as it is musically intricate.
The album's title, inspired by the infamous 1816 shipwreck and the subsequent survival story, sets the stage for a dramatic and introspective exploration. Henze's use of text and music creates a powerful dialogue, with each piece contributing to the overarching theme of survival, despair, and hope. The live recording captures the raw energy and precision of the performance, making it a standout addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
"Das Floß der Medusa" is not just an album; it's an experience. Henze's ability to blend different musical elements and create a cohesive, engaging narrative is evident throughout. Whether you're a long-time fan of Henze's work or a newcomer to the world of avant-garde neoclassical music, this album promises to captivate and inspire.
2023 Capriccio, 1040 Vienna, Austria2023 Capriccio, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Tracks
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 1, Prolog des Charon - LiveHans Werner Henze, Sven-Eric Bechtolf
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 2, Vom Hafen aus lässt sich urteilen über die - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 3, Vive le roi! - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 4, Die See war still, der Wind aus Norden wehte angenehm - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 5, Den Bänken von Arguin - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 6, Drei Tage Kampf um das Schiff - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Sarah Wegener, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 7, Wir standen an der Reling, sah’n ihm zu - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 8, Wir schauten auf - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 9, Per correr migliori acque alza le vele - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 10, Es kam der zweite Tag - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Cornelius Meister, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 11, Acht Nächte haben den Mond wachsen - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 12, Wie viele Königreiche wissen nichts von uns? - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 13, La luna, quasi a mezza notte tarda - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 14, Mitternacht - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 15, Da ging ein Mann über das Floß - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 16, Wir haben kein Gesetz - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 17, Schau auf! - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Sarah Wegener, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor