Search - Hans Werner Henze, Jobst Liebrecht, Orchester aus Schülern Berliner Musikschulen :: Hans Werner Henze: Pollicino

Quite enjoyable children's opera

Paul Linkletter | New York City | 06/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many listeners and classical music fans know Henze for his brooding, satiric, serious, biting, even ravishing vocal music but nothing in his list of works is quite like POLLICINO, a children's opera based on the story of Tom Thumb. All the parts both vocal and instrumental (except the four adults in the story) are written for children to perform and though challenging, are playable by (mostly but not entirely) advanced students. This freed Henze to create music that is direct in its appeal, tonality-based, varied, and filled with the dark and light aspects of fairy tales. The singing parts are substantial and often beautiful but the fear and uncertainty of childhood is not overlooked. The performances on this recording are very good indeed and the story springs to life. Is it as great a work as, say, The Bassarids? No, nor does it try to be. It is Henze in a different vein, but a great Henze, nonetheless."