A comprehensive survey of Henze's early symphonic language, from the direct immediacy of the First Symphony through the chamber textures of the Sixth. This 1990 Deutsche Grammophon release pairs the Berlin Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra under the composer's own direction—an invaluable perspective. Henze's symphonic thinking evolved from post-war reconstruction toward political urgency and formal experimentation. These works trace a path through European modernism without surrendering lyricism or human warmth. A foundational collection for understanding one of the 20th century's most significant classical composers.