Phaedra across Europe
18th March 2008
© Ruth Walz
“Phaedra” turned out to be a manifold surprise – and almost a joyful victory for the 81-year-old. Nimble-fingered as a magician who reaches deep into his bag of tricks once more, Henze composed a puzzle of musical influences that are skillfully and competently mixed together.
In a phase where health and life have almost broken him, Henze shows amazing transcendence and charm. With “Phaedra” he has produced a late classic.
Kai Luehrs-Kaiser, Muncher Merkur, 10/09/2007
