Maximilian Mangold explores Shakespeare's dramatic landscape through Henze's guitar sonatas—two works responding to tragic, comedic, and romantic characters from the Bard's plays. Written in 1976 and 1980, these pieces showcase Henze's ability to extract profound emotion from a single instrument. The guitar becomes a voice for psychological complexity: tender in love scenes, turbulent in conflict. Mangold's 1999 Musicaphon recording captures the instrument's full range—from delicate counterpoint to percussive intensity. An essential entry point for listeners curious about Henze's chamber work and contemporary classical guitar.