The German composer, Hans Werner Henze, presents an account of his life and of the creative process and performances of his music. The book documents his engagement with socialist politics following his upbringing in Nazi Germany, his exuberant personal life, his friendships with Stravinsky, Walton and Visconti, his collaborations with Auden, Edward Bons and Enzensberger, and his attitude to and relations with other composers.