Andersen’s tale is simply told, in a linear quick-moving style, in theatre music for a ballerina and a number of mime actors. The solo flute of course represents the nightingale, the piccolo, the noise of the mechanical bird. The other melody instruments present all the emotions of the young Emperor (still almost a child), while percussion, piano and celesta provide the atmosphere of chinoiserie. Since its creation this work has been performed several times as a flute concerto.

Hans Werner Henze