German composer Hans Werner Henze dies at 86

FRANKFURT, Germany (AFP) - Hans Werner Henze, one of Germany's foremost composers, died on Saturday at the age of 86, his publisher Schott Music said.

"With the death of Hans Werner Henze we have lost one of the most versatile, important and influential composers of our time," Schott said in a statement on its website, saying the composer died in the eastern city of Dresden.

Born in Guetersloh on July 1, 1926, Henze's prolific output covered a wide range of works, including more than 40 operas and pieces for the stage, 10 symphonies, concertos, chamber music, oratorios and song.

"What is unique about his work is the union of timeless beauty with contemporary commitment," Schott said.