Wergo

Wergo is a German record label based in Mainz which focuses on contemporary classical music. Founded in 1962 by Werner Goldschmidt (from whose name the label's name is derived) and Helmut Kirchmayer, the label's first release was a recording of Pierre Boulez conducting Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire. Since 1970, the company has been owned by Schott Music.

Premiere recordings include a complete edition of Karl Amadeus Hartmann's eight symphonies, John Cage's Music of Changes and the Studies for Player Piano of Conlon Nancarrow. Since 1986, more than eighty CDs have been produced in collaboration with the German Music Council, featuring the work of young German composers and composers living and working in Germany.

Wergo has, over its half century of existence, begun to diversify into, for example, world music, computer music and recordings of animal sounds and the natural world.

Further information: wergo.de

A selection of articles about Wergo

CD Spotlight. Tibet in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to piano music by twentieth century Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi. 'The rendering by Sabine Liebner is spotless, in spite of the many traps of both scores.'

CD Spotlight. Animals or Aliens? - Keith Bramich listens, unprepared, to instrumental and chamber music by Enno Poppe. 'These academic new music works are expertly played but won't appeal to everyone.'

CD Spotlight. Somewhat Disturbing - Thought-provoking music by Naomi Pinnock, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances and attention to detail were impressive, which added to my enjoyment and comprehension of the music.'

CD Spotlight. Higher-level Synthesis - Music for string quartet by Toshio Hosokawa, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... the Arditti ensemble produces the effect masterfully.'

DVD Spotlight. Diverse Moods - Carl Orff's 'Gisei', explored by Gerald Fenech. 'An exciting discovery ...'