Hans Werner Henze was among the most prolific and frequently performed German composers of his generation. He has spent the bulk of his career in Italy, and a blending of Germanic intellectual rigor with Italianate lyricism is a hallmark of his eclectic style. The numerous works that give overt voice to his strong Socialist political views brought considerable controversy to his career. His work is notable for the wide variety of genres in which he has demonstrated mastery, but he was particularly known for his operas, including Elegy for Young Lovers, The Bassarids, and Der Junge Lord.