Henze ranks among the most significant German composers of the late 20th century, merging modernist techniques with socially engaged themes. La Cubana (1989), subtitled "A Life for Art," is a major late-period work fusing symphonic and theatrical elements. The two-disc structure unfolds through a prologue and two substantial tableaux separated by brief interludes, creating a narrative sweep. Henze's orchestration remains both intellectually complex and emotionally direct, built from shifting textures and dramatic mood changes. The recording captures the work's full scope and ambition, revealing a composer equally invested in abstract form and immediate expression. Essential for exploring late 20th-century classical music's more ambitious corners.