Der neue wilde Wohlklang

Marking the 100th anniversary of Hans Werner Henze’s birth, this volume is dedicated to a composer who, like few others, shaped the musical landscape of the 20th century while simultaneously pushing its boundaries. Blending political engagement, aesthetic diversity, and a deeply personal musical language, Henze has created a body of work that encompasses opera, symphonic music, and chamber music as well as interdisciplinary and socially motivated projects.

The essays in this volume approach Henze from various perspectives: analytical, historical, and essayistic. They shed light on both his major works and lesser-known compositions, exploring Henze’s relationship to the avant-garde, tradition, and utopia—and the relevance of his thinking today. The result is not a unified picture, but a polyphonic space that brings the composer’s contradictions and tensions to life.

A book for anyone who wants to discover Henze anew—beyond the rhetoric of the anniversary, serving as both a challenge and an invitation.

The book will be released on April 30 and is available for pre-order now.