Wolfgang Rihm is doubtless one of the most successful composers of our time and can also look back on an enormous oeuvre that can hardly be classified within a single stylistic direction.

According to Wolfgang Rihm, in Sphäre um Sphäre for ensemble (1992/2003): “Some pieces carry genetic material within them that went out into the world decades ago.” In this case, the constant transformation began in 1990
with the piece ...et nunc, to which a solo piano part was added in the second version; this solo part was then “released” (Nachstudie - Post-Study), before it became Sphäre nach Studie and finally “as in the medieval parody masses”, an integral component of Sphäre um Sphäre in 2003 - “in which new sonic spheres around sonic spheres formulate themselves around the ‘old material’.

This recording also includes Séraphin-Sphäre for ensemble (1993-1996/2006), the most recent work by Wolfgang Rihm which was premiered in 2006, is another example of the constant transformation of themes for the constantly renewing “harmonies of the spheres”. The works on this disc are performed by oenm . oesterreichisches ensemble fur neue musik with Rupert Huber, conductor, and Andreas Schablas, clarinet.