Hans Werner Henze Naxos 8.557738 [2004, 70 mins] I was attracted to this release by the Night-Pieces, composed for the Sheppard/Shorr duo's 1990 debut recital (see my welcome for Vols 1 & 2 of their Beethoven Explored recital CDs). These short pieces are accessible and even include a punning pair of "Shepherd's Songs" in honour of Peter Sheppard Skaerved's long association with Henze's music, which he has recorded extensively. I have some difficulties with Henze's more radical 'modernist' scores (likewise with Maxwell Davies') but would not want to dissuade anyone [specialist reviewers wanted!]. Performances sound convinced and convincing and this is music to hear repeatedly and digest. At £6 they are certainly worth acquiring. But f or hoverers on the edge, spoilt for choice, it may be helpful to know that Naxos has a policy of presenting to browsers sound clips which are longer than the usual; 25% of each track (100% to subscribers): http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.557738. Try these and make up your own mind. I shall persevere and return to this well produced and vividly recorded disc by the company which above all others makes non-main stream music accessibly affordable to everyone. A CD of Henze's three violin concertos is sympathetically reviewed by Guy Rickards in Gramophone.
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