Henze: Ein Landarzt / Das Ende einer Welt

Dive into the intricate world of Hans Werner Henze with his compelling 2005 release, "Henze: Ein Landarzt / Das Ende einer Welt." This album, released on the avant-garde and neoclassical label Wergo, presents two of Henze's most captivating radio operas, "Ein Landarzt" and "Das Ende einer Welt," both based on works by Franz Kafka and Wolfgang Hildesheimer, respectively. The album features a stellar cast and the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, conducted by Roland Hermann, delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply evocative.

"Ein Landarzt," inspired by Kafka's short story, is a gripping narrative brought to life through Henze's distinctive compositional style. The opera is divided into twelve parts, each exploring different facets of the story with a rich orchestral palette and powerful vocal performances. "Das Ende einer Welt," on the other hand, is a more expansive work, featuring a prologue, epilogue, and fifteen interludes that weave together to create a complex and engaging musical drama.

The album's duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes is filled with Henze's signature avant-garde and neoclassical elements, making it a standout piece in his discography. Whether you are a longtime fan of Henze's work or a newcomer to his unique musical language, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances by the composer, the six-member cast, and the orchestra are nothing short of exceptional, capturing the essence of Henze's vision with clarity and depth.