The End of a World (Das Ende einer Welt)

First transmission 4. december 1953

Hamburg

Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk · Orchester des Nordwestdeutschen Rundfunks

Production Curt Reiss
Conductor Harry Hermann Spitz

Hildesheimer’s “loveless legend” of a house concert on the imaginary island of S. Ame- rigo, its sinking and the resulting demise of a handful of hypocritical cultural operators and snobs, was originally conceived as a radio opera. Numerous electronic effects are called for, most of which could not be rea- lized when the piece was written. Today, however, they do not pose a problem, and offer considerable potential for the imagina- tion of performers and technicians. The piece can be performed both on radio, and in concert form, making full use of all the surreal electronic effects to be found in the score.

Hans Werner Henze