Being Beauteous / Kammermusik

Chasing an unwavering desire for compositional individuality, Hans Werner Henze experienced a tumultuous career. While his music was widely performed, he could not find a place among the West German musical circles, as he was shunned by both the musical avant-garde, and the traditional Western art music circle. Being Beateous is a cantata based on the poem by Arthur Rimbaud. Henze explores contrasting wealth and poverty in the work, which is inspired by a trip to New York City. His Kammermusik 1958- uber die Hymne In lieblicher Blaue is also included on this release. The work is inspired by sketches the composer made during a trip to Greece in 1958.